Tennis: Bad boy Fabio Fognini kicked out of US Open for disgusting umpire abuse

Fabio Fognini of Italy returns a shot against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during the Western and Southern Open. Photo/Getty Images

Fabio Fognini has been kicked out of the US Open doubles and faces a possible permanent ban from all Grand Slam events, after vulgarly insulting the chair umpire during his first-round loss in singles.

If the Grand Slam Board determines Fognini committed a "major offence", the Italian also could be fined up to $US250,000 ($NZ349,400) for violating the code of conduct.

Fognini, who was seeded 22nd in singles, was fined a total of $US24,000 ($NZ33,540) by the US Open - nearly half of his singles prize money - for unsportsmanlike conduct during his 6-4 7-6 (10-8) 3-6 6-0 loss to Stefano Travaglia on Wednesday.

Fognini was cited by the tournament for three violations, carrying fines of $US15,000, $US5000 and $US4000. He reportedly called Swedish chair umpire Louise Engzell a "whore" and a "c***sucker".

Fognini's suspension went into effect immediately, so he was withdrawn from the doubles tournament, where he and countryman Simone Bolelli had advanced to the third round.

After they won their second-round match on Friday - but before any repercussions for what happened in singles had been announced - Fognini was asked about the possibility of being penalised.

"When someone makes a mistake, they apologise," he said. "Accepted or not accepted, at this point that's not up to me.

Fognini is married to 2015 US Open women's singles champion Flavia Pennetta.

"Everyone makes mistakes. Certainly, I've had bad days. And I will have others, like every human being."

Fognini and Bolelli won the Australian Open doubles title in 2015.

The board said the major offences were under the sections of Article IV, dealing with "aggravated behaviour" and "conduct contrary to the integrity of the game".

Violation of either section could lead to the permanent suspension from the four major tournaments and the $US250,000 penalty.

The board said there would be no further comment until the process is completed. Fognini, known as a volatile player, was fined $US27,500 ($NZ38,434), by Wimbledon in 2014 for his outbursts during a first-round victory.