Almagro: I didn't turn up just for the money

Spain's Nicolas Almagro strongly denied suggestions of a money-grab after he lasted just 23 minutes at the Australian Open before retiring yesterday

Nicolas Almagro

Melbourne: Spain's Nicolas Almagro strongly denied suggestions of a money-grab after he lasted just 23 minutes at the Australian Open before retiring yesterday. Almagro threw in the towel with a calf injury at 4-0 down in the first set against France's Jeremy Chardy, but walked away with a Aus$50,000 ($37,400) cheque as a first-round loser.

Australian doubles legend Todd Woodbridge, a TV commentator, ignited a debate when he said: "Questions to be asked. Did (Almagro) just turn up to take money?" Almagro later insisted: "I went to court because I think I can play. I was Top 10, I have more than 10 million dollars. I'm not going to play for $50,000. It is not the reason," Almagro said.

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