Michael Llodra abuses Chinese fans during a first round match in Indian Wells – Tennis News
French tennis ace, Michael Llodra, has been fined $2500 for her racial slur against the Chinese supporter, Daniel Lee, who was supporting the Latvian contestant, Ernests Gulbis, in the opening round of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian
Wells. It was a not great gesture on the part of the French doubles specialist who has to apologize as well in a press conference. The decision was taken by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). They are trying their level best to keep away any racial
controversies.
Llodra was disturbed in the mind after this event. He won the opening round match but failed to deliver against his compatriot, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Moreover, he injured his knee during the encounter and left the arena in anger
and pain. It has been a formidable tournament for the 31-years-old veteran who has been struggling to make his mark in the singles category.
He also threw his racquet away in frustration and was absolutely ridiculous with some weird world selection at such an elite platform. Tom Tebbutt, a former columnist for Toronto’s Globe and Mail, was in the front row of the spectators
and he clearly heard what he said. He tweeted, “Sat very first row - dead centre behind the court for Llodra - Gulbis - heard a lot. Deplorable behaviour by Llodra - read next tweet. ML smacked ball out of court, threw racquet, called Gulbis supporter in crowd
“a f–king Chinese. I confirmed later with brother of woman."
These kinds of acts are not good at all for the spirit of the sport. Earlier it was the Liverpool Football’s club striker, Luis Suarez, who was accused of being racist towards the captain of the Manchester United Football Club,
Patrice Evra. He was banned for eight games for this illiterate gesture. Later on he refused to shake hands in a match between the two teams that further flattened the sportsmanship.
Players should be careful when they are representing their countries in an event such as Indian Wells that is been broadcasted all across the globe and followed by every tennis fanatic. It is no less than a Grand Slam tournament
having a draw of 128 players. Therefore, such events give rise to fights and abuses amongst fans as well that kills the flare of the sport.
Llodra’s apology is still awaited by the Chinese fans who are angered on such a cheap act from the French tennis icon. It has to go down as the most pathetic moment in this year’s edition of the tournament.
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