French tennis player Corentin Moutet has been hit with a hefty fine that nearly consumes his entire prize earnings from the Queens tournament. This penalty comes in the wake of a television interview he conducted after his match, during which he repeatedly used profane language.
According to a report by the British news agency PA Media, the controversial player uttered a vulgar term seven times during a live broadcast on the BBC following his first-round victory against compatriot Giovanni Mpetshi-Perricard. After unintentionally using the foul word during his response to the first question, Moutet smiled and proceeded to repeat the same word four additional times, prompting interviewer Jenny Drummond to abruptly end the discussion.
On Friday, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) announced that Moutet was fined $40,000, which accounts for more than 90% of his prize money from the tournament. The association clarified that the penalty was imposed due to "unsportsmanlike conduct," specifically citing the use of inappropriate language during the post-match interview.
Moutet has indicated that he plans to appeal the fine in accordance with ATP regulations, highlighting the ongoing discussions around athlete conduct in professional sports.
As reported by gate.ahram.org.eg.
