Mischa Zverev Receives $45,000 Fine For Australian Open Performance

German tennis player Mischa Zverev has been "slapped with a grand slam-record" A$56,165 ($45,000) fine for an "unprofessional first-round performance at the Australian Open," according to NEWS.com.au. Zverev's "gamble" to try to compete at Melbourne Park, despite nursing a viral illness, "backfired spectacularly." The world No. 35's trip Down Under for the summer of tennis "has now actually cost him money when flights, accommodation and coaching staff are taken into account." Zverev retired 48 minutes into his first-round match. He is the "first victim of a new rule introduced to combat the spate of first-round retirements that have plagued the majors in recent years." The rule states: "Any player who competes in the first round main draw singles and retires or performs below professional standards, may now be subject to a fine up to (the equivalent) first round prize money in 2018" (NEWS.com.au, 1/23).