Dzumhur faces disciplinary probe, fined for walking off court

Damir Dzumhur walks off the court in anger over a lie call during his second qualifying round match in Acapulco.

Damir Dzumhur was fined USD 6,500 besides being forced to forfeits his second round qualifying prize money of USD 5,280.

Damir Dzumhur has been fined and will face a further probe after the Bosnian walked off court in anger over a line call during his second qualifying round match on Sunday in the ATP 500 event at Acapulco, Mexico.

Dzumhur, who reached a career-high ranking of 23rd in 2018, was serving at 5-5, 40-40 in the opening set against Botic van de Zandschulp when a forehand from his Dutch opponent was called in by the line judge.

Dzumhur approached the chair umpire asking for the call to be overruled but to no avail and then lost his cool. He subsequently lost the service game to trail 6-5. An infuriated Dzumhur continued remonstrating with the chair umpire during the change of ends and received a code violation. After returning to court he again said something to the umpire during the next game and received a point penalty.

The World No. 125 then walked off the court, threw his racquet on his bag and touched fists with Van de Zandschulp signalling his intention to stop playing.

While de Zandschulp walked away with his bag, Dzumhur had a discussion with the tournament supervisor but continued to speak angrily with the chair umpire. “In a second round qualifying match in Acapulco, Damir Dzumhur received two code violations for unsportsmanlike conduct, and his failure to continue the match resulted in a default,” the ATP said in a statement.

“In addition to a total fine of USD 6,500, Dzumhur forfeits the second round qualifying prize money of USD 5,280. Following the penalties issued on-site, a further investigation will be initiated under the Player Major Offence provision under ATP Rules,” the men’s governing body added.