Although tennis is often hailed as one of the most elegant games in the world, the history of tennis has also witnessed its share of controversies regarding players, just like other sports. From match-fixing scandals to doping violations, numerous tennis players over the years have faced serious repercussions on and off the tennis court for their misconduct. From violent racquet smashing to verbal abuse, numerous prominent tennis players over the years have witnessed excessive outbursts and have also faced the brutal consequences of temporary suspensions and even life bans.
In this article we will take a look at the top four tennis players who were punished for their misconduct on the court.
Top 4 Tennis Players Who Were Punished For Misconduct
Andre Agassi’s Doping Violation
American former professional tennis player, Andre Kirk Agassi is at the first spot in our list of the top four tennis players who were punished for their misconduct on the court. Andre Agassi was ranked as the world No. 1 in men’s singles by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) for 101 weeks. Additionally, Andre Agassi clinched 60 ATP Tour-level singles titles, including eight majors, completing the career Grand Slam. Also, Andre clinched an Olympic gold medal, the 1990 ATP Tour World Championships, 17 Masters titles and was also part of the winning United States Davis Cup team in 1990, 1992 and 1995.
Andre Agassi was at the apex of his professional tennis career in 1997 when things turned sour, and he tested positive for methamphetamine, a banned drug. Although Agassi maintained his innocence throughout the controversy and claimed that it was an incident of drink spiking, he was handed a brutal three-month suspension.
David Nalbandian’s Feud With The Umpire
Former Wimbledon finalist, David Nalbandian is at the second spot in our list of the top four tennis players who were punished for their misconduct on the court. Well, David Nalbandian made the headlines during the 2012 Queen’s Club final in London for all the wrong reasons. In the final round, after losing a point, Nalbandian kicked an advertising board placed right in front of a line umpire’s chair, which ended up injuring the umpire.
As a consequence of his violent behaviour and misconduct, Nalbandian was immediately disqualified from the match and was also fined an amount of $12,560. Additionally, the ATP withdrew Nalbandian’s ranking points and prize money from the tournament. Although Nalbandian wasn’t served with a lifetime ban, he definitely faced brutal repercussions for his violent behaviour and misconduct on the court.
Jeff Tarango’s Wife Slapped The Umpire
Next, at the third spot in our list of the top four tennis players who were punished for their misconduct on the court, we have retired American tennis player, Jeff Tarango.
Top-ten doubles player and a runner-up at the 1999 French Open men’s doubles tournament, Jeff Tarango witnessed one of the most bizarre experiences at Wimbledon 1995. Tarango accused the umpire of being corrupt, refused to play the match and walked off the court. The situation further worsened when Jeff Tarango’s wife, Benedicte Tarango, followed the umpire off the ground and slapped him. As a consequence, the All England Club banned Tarango from Wimbledon for two years.
Serena Williams Threatening Remark For The Umpire
Often hailed as one of the greatest tennis players of all-time, Serena Williams is at the fourth spot in our list of top four tennis players who were punished for their misconduct on the court. In her glitzy professional tennis career, Serena Williams clinched a record total of 73 WTA Tour-level singles titles, including 23 major women’s singles titles. Additionally, Serena Williams also became the only player to accomplish a career Golden Slam in both singles and doubles.
Well, despite her excellence on the court, Serena Williams has also witnessed her share of troubles on the court as a consequence of her misconduct. In the 2009 U.S. Open, Serena Williams landed in a heated feud with the line judge and allegedly left a derogatory remark “shove this ball down your throat”. Serena’s remarks resulted in a point penalty and a fine worth $82,500. Additionally, Serena was also put on probation for two years, warning that any further major offenses could result in a complete ban from Grand Slam events.
