Maxime Hamou's accreditation has been revoked by the French Open after he tried to kiss a reporter on live television.
The 21-year-old made advances towards journalist Maly Thomas several times while holding her around her neck and shoulders. The Frenchman was being interviewed after being beaten in three sets by Pablo Cuevas in the first round.
Credit: Eurosport
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In a statement, the French Tennis Federation says it was a 'reprehensible act', reports the BBC.
Maly told the Huffington Post: "It was frankly unpleasant, if it was not live, I would have punched him."
People on social media were furious that a professional tennis player would behave that way towards a reporter.
It wasn't the first time Hamou drew ire from the media. Following a match, he ate crisps during an interview, walked away from reporters when one asked a clumsy question and challenged an umpire.
The move to ban Hamou from the French Open mirrors a fine imposed on West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle. Early last year, he drew a barrage of criticism after asking an Australian TV reporter on a date during a live TV interview.
Gayle was speaking to reporter Mel McLaughlin during a Big Bash match in Hobart.
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He told her: "To see your eyes for the first time is nice. Hopefully we can have a drink afterwards. Don't blush baby."
As a result, Gayle was fined $10,000 (£4,900) and issued a public apology to Ms McLaughlin. But he maintains that the criticism he received was out of proportion.
Source: BBC, Huffington Post
Topics: Tennis
