Fabio Fognini has appeared on Italian television contrite after an offensive rant at a female chair umpire saw him ejected from the US Open.
During his first-round loss to qualifier Stefano Travaglia in New York, Fognini reportedly called umpire Louise Engzell a “wh***” and a “c***sucker” in Italian, and was promptly fined three times, totalling $US24,000.
With the Grand Slam Board suspending him while it came to a final decision on how to sanction the 30-year-old, Fognini was forced to pull out of the doubles event, where he’d reached the third round with countryman Simone Bolelli.
As reported in British media, Fognini appeared on Sky Sports Italia to address the controversy.
“I cried when I was alone, I admit it. I cried because in the end I know that is not right. There will be no such thing any more,” he said.
“I apologise to everyone, not just the umpire, who I already apologised to in New York, but to all those who felt hurt, women in the first place: I have nothing against them.
“Being described as a sexist has hurt me because it’s not true: I’m a father, I’m married, I have a mum, a sister, I’ve always loved women, I’ve always respected her, so I’m sorry.”
Fognini admitted he was working with a psychologist – which he said was progressing well – and said he was willing to visit schools and talk to children to discuss his mistake and the importance of not repeating it.
“I assume my responsibilities, I know I have done a great wrong and I have paid the consequences now,” he said.
“I know the thing is still fresh and I could have other sanctions, but I’m ready to pay.”
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