Safin gets maximum fine for missing news conference

PARIS, May 31 (Reuters) Marat Safin was fined the maximum ,000 for refusing to attend a news conference after his first round defeat at the French Open yesterday, the International Tennis Federation said.

The Russian former world number one was beaten 6-3 1-6 6-3 6-1 by ninth-seeded Chilean Fernando Gonzalez, his earliest defeat at Roland Garros.

It is the second time Safin has declined to attend a press conference at the French Open. He was also fined 10,000 dollars for skipping one in 2001.

Safin, who missed last year's U.S. Open and this year's Australian Open with a knee injury, has slipped to 53rd in the rankings.

REUTERS PG PC1714