Angry Nalbandian fights Aus Open sanction
Argentina's David Nalbandian angrily denied throwing water at an Australian Open official on Friday and insisted he would appeal against the $8 000 fine imposed following his controversial exit from the tournament.
Nalbandian endured a traumatic 4-6, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (7/5), 10-8 second-round loss to giant American John Isner on Thursday but was incensed when the chair umpire refused to allow a critical video challenge near the end of his 4hr 41min marathon.
He was then sanctioned by organisers who claimed he had hurled water at a tournament official.
"I fully deny throwing water after the match I played against Isner," Nalbandian wrote on his Twitter account.
"During anti-doping control, I was washing my hands and the doctor incredibly accused to me of throwing water at him.
"Two injustices – one inside and another one outside the court. I am going to appeal the sanction."