Wimbledon 2019: Fabio Fognini apologises over bomb outburst in loss to Tennys Sandgren

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Image caption, Fabio Fognini is ranked number 10 in the world

Italian Fabio Fognini apologised after being heard to say "I wish a bomb would explode on this club" during Saturday's Wimbledon defeat by Tennys Sandgren.

Fognini, 32, was already under threat of a ban from two major tournaments for using misogynistic language to a female umpire at the US Open in 2017.

He lost 4-6 6-7 (12-14) 3-6 to Sandgren in the third round and tournament chiefs says he may get "a small fine".

"If somebody feels offended, I say sorry. No problem," said Fognini.

All England Club chief executive Richard Lewis told AFP on Monday: "It was one of these heat of the moment comments. It was a very unfortunate comment and Fabio was good enough to apologise straight away.

"It wouldn't surprise me in the end if there was a small fine, but I think we will certainly keep it in context and readily accept the apology."

Fognini was fined a then record $27,500 (拢21,600) at Wimbledon in 2014 for a series of offences during a first-round match.

After the US Open in 2017, he was given a suspended ban of two Grand Slam tournaments covering two years as well as a fine of more then 拢70,000, half of which was suspended.

The world number 10 also took a medical time-out for treatment to a bloodied hand after punching his racket to the court in frustration.

Sandgren will face fellow American Sam Querrey in the fourth round on Monday.

Wimbledon was hit by a bomb during World World II that damaged the Centre Court roof.