David Nalbandian fined $8,000

PanARMENIAN.Net - David Nalbandian has denied throwing water at a doping control official during the Australian Open and says he plans to appeal his $8,000 fine.

The 30-year-old Argentine outlined his version of events in three Twitter posts on Saturday, Janaury 21.

He was penalized Friday, Janaury 20 for unsportsmanlike behavior following a five-set, second-round loss to American John Isner two days earlier. Official details of the alleged misconduct were vague, but Nalbandian elaborated in his Spanish-language tweets.

“I emphatically deny throwing water on an ATP staff member after the match against Isner," the 2002 Wimbledon finalist wrote. "During the antidoping control while I was washing my hands the doctor unbelievably accused me of throwing water at him.

"With this fine, they would be carrying out two injustices, one on the court and one off. I will appeal the sanction."

Nalbandian's fine, confirmed by the International Tennis Federation on Friday, is easily the highest at the 2012 Australian Open. Julien Benneteau's $2,500 penalty for verbal abuse is the next highest, AP reported.