US Open 2019: Mike Bryan Fined $10,000 for Gun Gesture With His Racquet at Line Judge
Chair umpire Mariana Alves issued a code violation against Mike Bryan for unsportsmanlike conduct. The Bryan brothers, winners of 16 Grand Slam doubles titles as a team, went on to win the second-round match 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 against Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain and Argentina's Federico Delbonis.
New York, September 2: American doubles player Mike Bryan was fined $10,000 by the US Open on Sunday for his using racquet his to make a shooting gesture at a line judge. Bryan, playing alongside twin brother Bob, held his racquet upside down and pointed it towards the official after successfully challenging an incorrect call. China's Wang Qiang Ousts French Open Champion Ashleigh Barty at US Open 2019.
Chair umpire Mariana Alves issued a code violation against Mike Bryan for unsportsmanlike conduct. The Bryan brothers, winners of 16 Grand Slam doubles titles as a team, went on to win the second-round match 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 against Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain and Argentina's Federico Delbonis.
Watch: Mike Bryan Pretending to Shoot Line Judge With His Racquet.
It is the highest fine received by a male player so far at this year's tournament.
"I apologize for any offense I may have caused. We won the point and the gesture was meant to be playful," Bryan said in a statement cited by the New York Times. "But given the recent news and political climate I understand how my gesture could be viewed as insensitive. I promise that I will never do anything like this again." Seven people were killed in Texas on Saturday in the latest of several mass shootings to occur in the United States this year.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 02, 2019 08:55 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).