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The charge relates to an incident that occurred during the match between Hugo Gaston and Borna Coric at the Masters 1000 of Madrid. In fact, Gaston deliberately dropped a ball from his pocket onto the court during a rally he was about to lose, in an attempt to force the referee to replay the point.
Under ATP rules, as of this year, fines for unsportsmanlike conduct increase by 100% for each new violation in the same season. This is Gaston’s fourth unsportsmanlike conduct violation this season, which explains the high fine.
However, Hugo Gaston appealed the decision and the ATP agreed to reduce the fine to 72,000 euros, under certain conditions. In particular, the player should avoid any reprehensible behavior for the next twelve months.
In its statement, the ATP said: “Following an incident during his second round match in Madrid, Hugo Gaston was fined 144,000 euros for unsportsmanlike conduct. Under ATP Rule 2023, fines increase by 100% for each new violation in the same season. This was Gaston’s fourth unsportsmanlike conduct violation in the 2023 season. Following an appeal, the fine was reduced to 72,000 euros, a reduction subject to certain conditions including Gaston’s failure to commit a new offense.”
