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Hugo Gaston received a massive $144,000 fine from the ATP following his latest acts during the Madrid Masters. The Frenchman tried to change the outcome of a point against Borna Coric a couple of weeks ago in Caja Magica. Borna hit a smash on his set point, and Hugo took a ball from his pocket and dropped it to the ground, trying to replay a point.
Gaston did the same thing last year, and the ATP warned him what would happen if he repeated that. Unsportsmanlike conduct offenses at the Masters 1000 events can earn you a fine of up to $60,000. It doubles if the same violation happens again within the same calendar year, and it's what happened with Gaston, who will have to pay a massive price for his acts.
Gaston is world no. 108 and will compete at the upcoming Roland Garros with a wild card. The 22-year-old lost his only ATP final in Gstaad 2021, and his results on the main Tour could have been better since the start of 2022.
Hugo has won 12 ATP matches in that period, with only two coming in 2023. They came in Marrakech and Madrid. Gaston took down Jeremy Chardy in Madrid and set the clash against Borna Coric. The Croat scored a 6-3, 6-3 triumph, and the Frenchman's acts from that one will cost him dearly.
Hugo Gaston will have to pay a massive fine of $144,000.
"Violation of this section shall subject a player to a fine up to $20,000 for ATP Challenger Tour tournaments, $30,000 for ATP Tour 250 tournaments, $40,000 for ATP Tour 500 tournaments, $60,000 for ATP Tour Masters 1000 tournaments for each violation.
The maximum fine will increase by one hundred percent (100%) for each consecutive violation during the same calendar year. In addition, if such a violation occurs during a match, the player shall be penalized in accordance with the Point Penalty Schedule.
In circumstances that are flagrant and particularly injurious to the success of a tournament or are singularly egregious, the ATP Supervisor may refer the matter to the ATP Fines Committee who shall conduct an investigation to determine whether the player Major Offense of Aggravated Behavior or Conduct Contrary to the Integrity of the Game has occurred.
Prize money earned at that event shall be held by ATP until the ATP Fines Committee has concluded their investigation and made a determination."