Frenchman Hugo Gaston fined 72,000 euros for fourth piece of unsportsmanlike conduct in 2023

The fine was halved, on appeal, from its original level of 144,000 euros

Zuma / Panoramic

May 22, 2023

Hugo Gaston has thrilled crowds at Roland-Garros on a number of occasions, most notably when he beat Stanm Wawrinka and then hit more than 50 drop shots against Dominic Thiem, almost running the Austrian into the ground.

But the Frenchman has another side to him on the court and it’s proved pretty costly.

It all came to a head in Madrid recently when Gaston was found guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct for the fourth time this year, dropping a ball deliberately out of his pocket when his opponent had a smash, hoping that a let would be played.

Initially, the ATP issued a fine of 144,000 euros, which was halved on appeal.

“Following an incident in his second round match in Madrid, Hugo Gaston was issued a fine of 144,000 Euros for unsportsmanlike conduct,” the ATP said in a statement given to Tennis Majors. “Per ATP Rules in effect from 2023, fines related to unsportsmanlike conduct increase by 100% with each consecutive violation in the same season. This was Gaston’s fourth violation for unsportsmanlike conduct in the 2023 season.

“Following an appeal, the fine is reduced to 72,000 Euros subject to certain conditions, including no further such violations incurred by Gaston over a 12-month probationary period.“

Fellow Frenchman Corentin Moutet was among those to argue he should not be fined so much, saying his behaviour is beyond reproach 95 percent of the time, but that, like everyone, he is human.

https://twitter.com/moutet99/status/1660607274883198976?s=20

The 22-year-old Gaston, currently ranked No 108, has won just over $121,000 (111,000 euros) in prize money so far this year.