Strict US Open rule means world's best players are at risk of £68k fine in first round

dailystar.co.uk:

tennis players are in danger of walking away with nothing at the US Open, even if they participate in a first-round match.A record amount of prize money is available to stars for the 2022 edition, with even those who lose their opening match walking away with £68k.

That's an increase of 85% on what would they have got for exiting at the same stage just six years ago.But under strict regulations, organisers have the right to bar entrants from receiving their fee for falling at the first hurdle - if they've been deemed to have under-performed.

The brutal ruling is outlined in the official ITF Grand Slam rulebook, and should serve as a sharp reminder to players to give their all from the outset.READ NOW: Rafael Nadal aims sly dig at Novak Djokovic for missing US Open over vaccine stanceUnder the title 'First round performance', the legislation reads: "All players are expected to perform to a professional standard in every Grand Slam Tournament match.

With respect to the first round performance in the qualifying and main draw, if in the opinion of the referee the player did not perform to the required professional standard, the referee may determine that the player be subject to a fine of up to first round prize money."And even those who retire hurt, albeit with a legitimate injury, could be in danger, with the potential factors in a referee ordering a fine also outlined.