McEnroe fined for ‘audible obscenities’

Press, 28 June 1983, Page 40

McEnroe fined for ‘audible obscenities’

NZPA London John McEnroe learned yesterday he had picked up his first fine of the 1983 Wimbledon tennis championships — for using “audible obscenities” to a spectator after his men’s doubles match at the week-end. The Wimbledon referee, Alan Mills, said yesterday that McEnroe had been fined SUSSOO after being reported by a London umpire, David Mercer. The complaint had been upheld by the grand prix supervisor who also heard McEnroe’s remarks to a man in the crowd as the player left the court. But McEnroe’s fine still leaves him SUSI2SO short of the total amount in a 12month period which could mean possible suspension.

Under the code of conduct a player can be fined SUS7SOO in any 12 month period. When that figure is reached a three-week suspension, subject to appeal, then follows. McEnroe and his partner, Peter Fleming, the top seeds, had just beaten Bud Cox, of the United States, and a 19-year-old Swiss player, Jacob Hlasek, 7-6, 75, 6-3, in a second round match which had involved disputes, but nothing untoward by McEnroe’s standards. At the end of the match McEnroe spoke to one of the linesmen, but when the spectator said something to the player as he left the court, McEnroe suddenly turned on him.