Argentine Tennis Player Luisina Giovannini Fined US$20,000 at US Open

Argentine tennis player Luisina Giovannini was fined US$20,000 after retiring from her first round qualifying match at the US Open. The 19 year old player, ranked 198th in the world, played for only 17 minutes on August 24 against Italy's Lucia Bronzetti. Giovannini retired while trailing 5 to 0 in the first set, having won only 8 of the 29 points played. The fine was issued under the First Round Performance rule, which requires players to compete at a professional level to prevent injured athletes from taking spots from lucky losers. The penalty represents 62.5 percent of the US$32,000 prize money she was due for participating in the qualifying round, leaving her with US$12,000. Giovannini played the match with a bandage on her ankle and cited a physical problem that had affected her preparation, noting that her previous match took place two months prior at Wimbledon. Despite the setback, the player from Coronel Moldes has had a successful 2026 season, winning four titles on the ITF circuit and competing in the qualifying rounds of all four Grand Slams. She is also a member of the Argentine Billie Jean King Cup team. Giovannini confirmed the fine to reporters and stated her intention to focus on her recovery for the upcoming South American Games.