Mischa Zverev fined $45,000 for 'poor first round performance' where he retired in the 1R.

[Aussie Darcy]

Mischa Zverev has been fined $US45,000 for retiring in the second set of his opening round match against Hyeon Chung, per the New York Times’ Ben Rothenberg.

He had to give up nearly all of his $US47,000 prizemoney for making the first round because of a “poor first round performance”.

The punishment comes after the tournament introduced a new rule designed to prevent injured players taking the court in round one, retiring and still leaving with their entire pay cheque.

To discourage unfit stars taking the court at the start of the tournament when they know there’s a strong chance they won’t be able to see out the match, the Australian Open guaranteed players half of their prizemoney if they pulled out before the first round.

This was floated as a reason for Zverev being the only player to retire in round one — the lowest retirements ever seen at a grand slam in 10 years.

Sounds harsh but got to say I like this new rule. Mischa ended up playing doubles less than 2 days later despite retiring in the 1R. As we've seen in recent slams, many players retire in the 1R to receive the huge 1R paycheck even though they clearly aren't fit enough to compete.

Last years Aus Open had 5 first round retirements, 2017 US Open had 3 whilst 2017 Wimbledon had 7. This Aus Open had just the one.

 

[EloQuent]

Mischa was defending a lot of points, he probably wanted to try for it.So I don't get the penalty.

That said, it's hard to justify pocketing the paycheck without finishing the match.

 

[Jackuar]

Yup its fine. I was about to say give even more stricter fines / point penalty etc. but on second thoughts, this is a good enough start. More stringent punishment may be for a second time.

 

[FudgeMyn]

the ATP really likes seeing poor players suffer they aren't fooling anyone with this poor performance crap. when 90% of the fans just care about nadal/fed playing anyway

 

[Deleted member 688153]

Where does the fine money go?
Presumably back into bigwigs' coffers?

I'd rather the players get it.

 

[Slightly D1]

If you aren’t healthy enough to compete and play a good tennis match then you should withdraw. It steals from somebody else who could actually use the money and they would actually earn it.

I’m fine with guys trying to gut it out and play through an injury but they should only play if they could reasonably play 5 sets.

 

[Bartelby]

It has nothing to do with the ATP. It is a slam decision.

the ATP really likes seeing poor players suffer they aren't fooling anyone with this poor performance crap. when 90% of the fans just care about nadal/fed playing anyway

 

[FudgeMyn]

It has nothing to do with the ATP. It is a slam decision.

fine the greedy corporate pigs at the slams like seeing poor players suffer

 

[chjtennis]

He is unlucky here, but rules are rules. I think Murray withdrawing late at a few tournaments last year caused this change in rules. Let's see how this works this year and then talk about eliminating it, because at that time, there were a lot of complaints about late withdrawal from tournaments.

 

[accidental]

They really just say no prize money for first round at all unless you finish the match

 

[smoledman]

Very sad to see, Mischa is one of the good guys in tennis.

 

[reaper]

Zverev is an unlucky victim here of the cynical actions of some of his tour associates from last year. With so many of them defaulting after losing the first set last year a change had to be made.

 

[diggler]

If you sustained an injury during the match, I hope you don't lose any prizemoney.

 

[noobforehand20]

what if djokovic had retires during chungs match? would it have been similar?

 

[Mainad]

He is unlucky here, but rules are rules. I think Murray withdrawing late at a few tournaments last year caused this change in rules. Let's see how this works this year and then talk about eliminating it, because at that time, there were a lot of complaints about late withdrawal from tournaments.

Oh sure coz it's not as if Murray was genuinely injured or something! The guy was and is desperate to play, not interested in just turning up to collect a paycheque he doesn't need!!

 

[chjtennis]

Oh sure coz it's not as if Murray was genuinely injured or something! The guy was and is desperate to play, not interested in just turning up to collect a paycheque he doesn't need!!

Of course, Murray never intended any harm, but things just turned out that way unfortunately, and there were people who complained. If there are voices that these new rules are too harsh, I'm sure ATP will change them again.

 

[MatsPhilander]

If Zverev was smart he would have just tanked rather than retire-he was 1-4 in the second, just lose those two games. Then limp through a 0-6 or 1-6 third set & pick up the fee.

 

[EloQuent]

If Zverev was smart he would have just tanked rather than retire-he was 1-4 in the second, just lose those two games. Then limp through a 0-6 or 1-6 third set & pick up the fee.

probably have gotten the same fine

 

[Bukmeikara]

We are about to see players with shady morals losing matches 6-0 6-0 just to collect the paycheck

 

[EloQuent]

the rules are, they want you to be fit and play well to get that R1 paycheck. Otherwise let another player in. It makes sense to me, even though the fine sounds harsh it's really just about not getting paid if you don't do the work.

The work is entertainment.

 

[Wilhelm]

Seems fair to me. It's not really a fine, he just has to pay back his prize money. Mischa could have called it a day, a lucky loser could have taken his spot and both would have split the prize money.

 

[Nashvegas]

the ATP really likes seeing poor players suffer they aren't fooling anyone with this poor performance crap. when 90% of the fans just care about nadal/fed playing anyway

He could have sat at home and watched the tournament with his feet up and collected half the first round prize money.

 

[Mainad]

Of course, Murray never intended any harm, but things just turned out that way unfortunately, and there were people who complained. If there are voices that these new rules are too harsh, I'm sure ATP will change them again.

My point is that Murray is the wrong one to cite for any hardening of these particular rules. Threat of a fine for pre-meditated withdrawals is targetted at those players who cynically turn up for 1st round matches and then promptly withdraw in unconvincing circumstances. That's not Murray. He just wants to play but has been constantly frustrated by his hip injury.

 

[chjtennis]

My point is that Murray is the wrong one to cite for any hardening of these particular rules. Threat of a fine for pre-meditated withdrawals is targetted at those players who cynically turn up for 1st round matches and then promptly withdraw in unconvincing circumstances. That's not Murray. He just wants to play but has been constantly frustrated by his hip injury.

Not sure why ITF reinforced these rules, so OK, I take it back.

 

[Pavla]

Love Mischa, but if not fit to play another player should have gotten the chance.

 

[EloQuent]

My point is that Murray is the wrong one to cite for any hardening of these particular rules. Threat of a fine for pre-meditated withdrawals is targetted at those players who cynically turn up for 1st round matches and then promptly withdraw in unconvincing circumstances. That's not Murray. He just wants to play but has been constantly frustrated by his hip injury.

this is a fair point. however, what Murray did wasn't right either imo

 

[Bluefan75]

this is a fair point. however, what Murray did wasn't right either imo

Bingo. He could have easily withdrawn before the draw was made, but pulls out the day after? Come on.

 

[texasleaguer]

how much are they fining A. Zverev for that fifth set he played? should be double because he throws that annoying whining in too.

 

[jmc3367]

Where does the fine money go?
Presumably back into bigwigs' coffers?

I'd rather the players get it.

Me too spread through the field

 

[VarmasPermo]

Nadal should be fined 10 million dollars for giving up to Cilic in QF AO 2018 and disappointing expensive ticket buyers.

 

[MatsPhilander]

how much are they fining A. Zverev for that fifth set he played? should be double because he throws that annoying whining in too.

 

[Alba Barragan]

As far as I know, Mischa was sick before the match, had fever but took painkillers believing he'll feel better (which it seems didn't happen). It's not like he was unable to move or play, so it's reasonable he wanted to give it a try.

I'm okay with this new rule, it's a good idea to stop players from tanking and showing up just to get the pay check, but I don't think ITF had the right call with this particular case. He also should've been clever, maybe limping during the last few games and finishing the match, as someone previously suggested, would've avoided this fine.

 

[kimguroo]

As far as I know, Mischa was sick before the match, had fever but took painkillers believing he'll feel better (which it seems didn't happen). It's not like he was unable to move or play, so it's reasonable he wanted to give it a try.

I'm okay with this new rule, it's a good idea to stop players from tanking and showing up just to get the pay check, but I don't think ITF had the right call with this particular case. He also should've been clever, maybe limping during the last few games and finishing the match, as someone previously suggested, would've avoided this fine.

If he was sick before the match, he should appeal.
I saw the match and I was thinking exactly same thing that he should be fined since He did not put any effort for the match. I was very surprised to see his performance.

 

[Mainad]

this is a fair point. however, what Murray did wasn't right either imo

Bingo. He could have easily withdrawn before the draw was made, but pulls out the day after? Come on.

He only pulled out of the US Open because his hip injury flared up while he was practicing ahead of play. He had every intention of playing up until that point when he realised belatedly that his hip would not be up to it. Maybe it would have been wiser and more sensible for him and for the draw if he had just decided to stay away and rest his hip a bit longer but it shows that he is desperate to play unlike those players who have no intention of playing but just turn up for the 1st round fee. It's the latter who are being targetted by these new rules. It would have made no difference to Murray.

 

[EloQuent]

He only pulled out of the US Open because his hip injury flared up while he was practicing ahead of play. He had every intention of playing up until that point when he realised belatedly that his hip would not be up to it. Maybe it would have been wiser and more sensible for him and for the draw if he had just decided to stay away and rest his hip a bit longer but it shows that he is desperate to play unlike those players who have no intention of playing but just turn up for the 1st round fee. It's the latter who are being targetted by these new rules. It would have made no difference to Murray.

He should have had his surgery then, and been back to play now. It was clear to everyone else but him that he was too injured to play, it was no surprise when he withdrew. I understand his thought process, he just wanted to play, but it did mess things up for everyone. And of course the USO rules are to blame for that draw too.

 

[nikdom]

If a player retires from ANY match, singles/doubles, 1R, 2R, doesn't matter... there is no way they should be allowed to compete again in any other category in the same tournament.

Good that M.Zverev got fined.

 

[Tennis Rules]

right decision. he was going into the first round with fever had never should´ve play.
the same thing he had done for the doubles.

that´s really stupid and i think that must be fined.

 

[TheAverageFedererFan]

Maybe give a warning about the rule firsthand and if it happens again the fine comes into play. Or just withdraw before actually playing.

 

[Sentinel]

Where does the fine money go?
Presumably back into bigwigs' coffers?

I'd rather the players get it.

They should go to Roger, no ?

 

[Tennis_Hands]

I don't mind that the rules are enforced, but as long as some of them are abused by the top players and noone moves one finger, while the "small" fish is fried over anything, I will question the actions of the tennis authorities.

 

[Terenigma]

He retired from a singles match and played a doubles match 2 days later. Deserved fine imo. Also i hope they do this more to discourage people just showing up for a pay cheque, Delpo did this FAR too much during his injury period and we've seen it more and more this last couple of years. Absolutely behind this!

 

[3lite]

What the hell is dude eating?

He needs to go on that Djokovic diet if he ever wants to progress as a player.

 

[Gary Duane]

They really just say no prize money for first round at all unless you finish the match

Then what do you do for a QF, when someone can't finish the match?

 

[Mainad]

Then what do you do for a QF, when someone can't finish the match?

Well, if you've put in the effort to reach the quarter-final (unless you got there via walkovers) I guess you can say you've paid your dues to the tournament unlike someone who turns up for a 1st round match, hits a few balls and then retires to pick up his fee.

 

[accidental]

Then what do you do for a QF, when someone can't finish the match?

lifetime ban

 

[Bluefan75]

He retired from a singles match and played a doubles match 2 days later. Deserved fine imo. Also i hope they do this more to discourage people just showing up for a pay cheque, Delpo did this FAR too much during his injury period and we've seen it more and more this last couple of years. Absolutely behind this!

This is what makes it look real bad. Had he just retired from the singles and that been it, well, he gave it a go. Likely he gets a small fine in order to keep the teeth in the rule, but not 75% of his prize. But turning around and playing doubles a couple days later, makes it look questionable.

But I do think the rule is good. As was mentioned earlier, the retirements first round have plummeted. Interesting when you put a rule in and enforce it what happens.

 

[EloQuent]

Then what do you do for a QF, when someone can't finish the match?

It should be the same. And points too, it should be reduced.