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Hingis fined for unsportsmanlike conduct

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Posted: Tuesday June 08, 1999 12:51 PM

Paying the price: Martina Hingis' lack of composure may have also cost her the French Open title. AP

LONDON (Reuters) -- World No. 1 Martina Hingis has been fined $1,500 for unsportsmanlike conduct during her French Open final defeat to Steffi Graf, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) said on Tuesday.

A spokeswoman said the fine was for Hingis' breaking tennis etiquette by crossing the netline early in Saturday's second set to argue a call with the umpire and lineswoman.

The Swiss was also given a warning for smashing a racket and incurred a penalty point for crossing the line.

She also used a bathroom break at the start of the third set to change her shirt and hairstyle, unexpectedly served underhand on the first match point she faced and then stormed off court in tears before the prize giving ceremony.

She returned for the ceremony after her mother coaxed her.

The ITF could not confirm a report in the Daily Telegraph newspaper that Hingis was also involved in an alleged "physical incident" with a women's WTA Tour official after the match and before the prize giving.

The Telegraph said that the tournament referee was to review television tapes reported to show the incident. It said the issue had been referred to the Grand Slam committee and could lead to a heavy fine or suspension if proven.

 

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