(Paris) Hugo Gaston was fined 144,000 euros ($210,000) for “unsportsmanlike conduct” during his second round match at the Madrid Masters 1000, we learned from the ATP on Monday.

The French player (ex-58th in the world down to 108th this week) is accused of having deliberately dropped a second ball on the court during an exchange that he was going to lose against the Croatian Borna Coric (defeat 6-3, 6 -3) on April 28, in order to force the referee to replay the point.

The particularly high level of the fine is explained by the reiteration of such behavior, specifies the body which manages the male professional circuit.

“Under ATP rules since 2023, fines for unsportsmanlike behavior increase by 100% for each violation within a single season. This was Gaston’s fourth unsportsmanlike conduct offense during the 2023 season.

However, the player appealed and the fine “will be reduced to 72,000 euros ($105,000) under certain conditions, in particular that Gaston no longer commits such an offense over a probationary period of twelve months”, adds the body. .

Since the start of the 2023 season, Hugo Gaston (22) has won 114,218 euros ($167,000) in earnings. Recipient of an invitation to play the first round of the main draw of Roland-Garros (May 28-June 11), he is sure to earn at least 69,000 euros ($100,000) promised to the losers of the first round.