ATP to review player code of conduct following several violations

The ATP has notified players that it will be taking a stricter stance when it comes to dealing with those who break the rules.

It is understood that an internal document has been issued by ATP CEO Andrea Gaudenzi concerning the matter, according to The Daily Mail who has seen a copy of the correspondence. The move comes after a series of high-profile controversies on the men’s Tour during the first quarter of this season.

One of the most notable offenses was Alexander Zverev who was disqualified from the Mexican Open for swearing and hitting the chair of the umpire with his racket, narrowly missing his foot. The German has since been put on a year-long probation by the ATP where he faces a suspension of eight weeks and a $25,000 fine should he commit another “verbal or physical abuse of an official, opponent, spectator or any other person while on-court or on-site” within that period.

Nick Kyrgios is another player who has been involved in controversy with the Australian being fined at both Indian Wells and Miami. In Indian Wells he received a $25,000 penalty for nearly hitting a ball boy after smashing his racket on the ground and for an audible obscenity. Furthermore, in Miami he was docked $35,000 for two incidents of unsportsmanlike conduct, swearing and verbal abuse.

Additionally, Jenson Brooksby was fined $15,000 at the Miami Open for throwing his racket which almost hit a ball boy.

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Gaudenzi, who is a former player himself, says such incidents have ‘shone a bad light on our sport.’ In a bid to prevent further cases occurring in the coming weeks, the Italian has requested a tougher stance be taken when it comes to deciding penalties for those who break the rules. Furthermore, the code of conduct will now be under review. Although it is unknown how long this will take or if any changes will be made.

"The first three months of the season have seen an unusual frequency of high-profile incidents involving unsportsmanlike conduct," The Daily Mail quotes Gaudenzi as writing in the document. "This includes serious cases of verbal and racquet abuse. We have seen too many dangerous moments, with officials or ball persons caught in the crossfire of aggressive or disrespectful conduct.

"These incidents shine a bad light on our sport. This conduct affects everyone and sends the wrong message to our fans, especially young fans. Effective immediately, and as we had into the clay court swing, the ATP officiating team has been directed to take a stricter stance in judging violations of the Code of Conduct.

"Additionally, we are also undertaking a review of the Code, as well as the disciplinary processes, to ensure that it provides appropriate and up-to-date penalties for repeat offenders."

The ATP has yet to make any public comment regarding this matter.