27 Jun 2010

Hanescu fined by Wimbledon officials

12:47 pm on 27 June 2010

The Romanian tennis player Victor Hanescu has been fined $20,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct and tanking by Wimbledon organisers for storming out of his third-round match after spitting in the direction of the crowd.

Hanescu, the 31st seed, became involved in an altercation with fans cheering for German opponent Daniel Brands, and spat in their direction while trailing 2-0 in the decider.

He was given a code violation for his behaviour and he retired from the match after the following game in which he appeared to deliberately serve a series of double faults.

The fine will be deducted from his prize money of $65,000 and he has 10 days to appeal the decision.