Australia's Klein fined for racial abuse of opponent

By Clare Fallon

EASTBOURNE, England (Reuters) - Australian player Brydan Klein has been fined 10,000 euros ($13,920) and suspended by his national sports body for racially abusing South African opponent Raven Klaasan during a qualifying match at the Eastbourne International, tennis officials said on Friday.

Klein, 19, had been given the maximum penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, the men's ATP Tour said in a statement, adding that it was carrying out a fuller investigation which could result in an additional penalty for aggravated behaviour.

Tennis Australia said in a statement it had suspended Klein from the Australian Institute of Sport Pro Tour Program and could impose further sanctions after an investigation.

Media reports in Australia said Klein, the 2007 Australian Open junior champion, had called Klaasan a "kaffir" and spat at his coach and another player.

"The ATP has a zero tolerance policy against racism," the body's statement said.

Klein, the world number 184, beat Klaasan and made it as far as the second round of the Eastbourne main draw before being beaten by Serbian Janko Tipsarevic.

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