Marin Cilic wins AEGON Championships title
17th June 2012
Marin Cilic has won the AEGON Championships after David Nalbandian was defaulted because of Unsportsmanlike Conduct.
The Argentine was leading by a set and trailing 3-4 when he kicked an advertising board in frustration at losing a point, injuring a line judge sitting nearby.
ATP World Tour Supervisor Tom Barnes was called to the court and ruled that the offence was an automatic disqualification for Nalbandian.
The line judge received immediate treatment from St John’s Ambulance and saw the Tournament Medical Team. No further treatment was required.
Barnes said: “It is unsportsmanlike conduct, and the supervisor has the authority to declare an immediate default. Once I saw that the line judge was injured, I didn't have any other option.”
Tournament Director Chris Kermode said: “It is obviously not the way that we wanted to finish the final and I can understand the crowd’s frustration, but the tournament is governed by ATP rules and this was a clear-cut case. The line judge was seen and treated by St John’s Ambulance. He also saw the Doctor, and no further treatment was required.”
Marin Cilic said: “I wanted to win the title, but to win like this is obviously a little bit bitter. It is not how I wanted to win the title.”
David Nalbandian said: “I made a mistake and I apologize. I feel very sorry to the guy. I didn't want to do that.”
Meanwhile in the doubles final Max Mirnyi and Daniel Nestor defeated Bob and Mike Bryan 6-3, 6-4 to claim the title