U.S. Open dings player with $10,000 fine for making gun gesture at judge

Mike Bryan is in hot water after making a gun gesture at a judge. — (Image credit: Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

An attempt at a "playful" gesture at the U.S. Open has cost doubles star Mike Bryan $10,000 — the highest penalty yet in this year's men's tournament. Bryan had mimed "shooting" a line judge with his racket on Sunday after a video review validated his challenge of a call on the baseline.

"We thought [the gesture] warranted that amount," said U.S. Tennis Association spokesman Brendan McIntyre.

Bryan later told The New York Times he regretted his unsportsmanlike conduct, noting that "given the recent news and political climate I understand how my gesture could be viewed as insensitive. I promise that I will never do anything like this again." Bryan is a six-time champion in men's doubles at the U.S. Open, and advanced on Sunday with his partner and identical twin Bob Bryan.

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Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.