Jankovic hit with big fine for illegal coaching
MELBOURNE (AFP) — World number four Jelena Jankovic has been slapped with a big fine for illegal coaching, despite proclaiming her innocence.
The Serbian was given a code violation when the umpire heard her speaking with her mother Snezana during her three-set third round win over Frenchwoman Virginie Razzano.
It resulted in a 2,000 US dollar fine, the heaviest of the Australian Open so far. But Jankovic denied her mother gave her any coaching tips from the stands, a practice banned at all WTA and Grand Slam events.
"I think (the umpire's decision) was wrong because my mom is just supporting over there in my box," said Jankovic.
"She just said, 'C'mon' in Serbian. I don't know what else she said afterwards. My coach is sitting right there next to her and he was very quiet.
"I mean, it was the umpire's decision, but it was not right because she doesn't understand what my mom told me in Serbian.
"She didn't coach me, so I don't think that's a coaching violation. I never received something like that before."
Others players hit with fines in the first week of the Open include defending champion Serena Williams (1,000 dollars for swearing), and Andy Roddick and Marat Safin, who were both fined 500 dollars for racquet abuse.
