BAD BOY Fabio Fognini has been chucked out of the US Open for insulting an umpire.
The self-confessed “hothead” abused Swedish official Louise Engzell during his first round singles defeat by fellow Italian Stefano Travaglia.
Tournament chiefs announced Fognini was being investigated for a “major offence” and suspended him, ruling him out of his match in the third round of the men’s doubles with partner Simone Bolelli.
Fognini already holds the dubious honour of having been fined the highest amount in Wimbledon history – $27,500 (21,200) for unsportsmanlike conduct in 2014.
And the 30 year old was in trouble at SW19 again this year, being docked a point in his match against Andy Murray for making an obscene gesture.
But the suspension – on top of fines totalling £18,500 – represents a whole new level of misbehaviour, even for him.
Fognini apologised on Twitter, saying: “First of all I would apologise to you fans, to the referee for what happened.
“It was just a very bad day, but it did not forgive my behaviour in the match. Although I’m a hot-head (and though I’ve been right in most circumstances) I was wrong. But in the end it’s only a tennis game.”
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