Fabio Fognini is ready to accept whatever punishment comes his way for his verbal abuse of an umpire at the US Open.

The Italian was initially fined $US24,000 ($A30,197) after using extremely derogatory language towards Swedish official Louise Engzell during his first-round singles loss.

The Grand Slam Board announced on Saturday it was investigating whether Fognini had committed a major offence under the Grand Slam Code of Conduct and he was provisionally suspended from the tournament.

As a result, he and fellow Italian Simone Bolelli were unable to play their third-round doubles match and he could face further sanctions, including a fine of up to $US250,000 and/or a ban from future grand slam events.

Fognini’s initial apology on Twitter was hardly effusive but the 30-year-old told Sky Sports Italia he was sorry and insisted he was not a misogynist.

“Being described as a sexist has hurt me because it is not true: I am a father, I’m married, I have a mother, a sister, I have always loved and respected women, so I’m sorry,” Fognini said.

Fognini was handed a record fine of $US27,500 for a similar offence at Wimbledon in 2014 and said he had been working with a mental coach to try to combat such behaviour.

“I take my responsibilities. I know I have done a very foolish thing and I have paid the consequences now,” he said.

“I know the thing is still fresh and I could have other sanctions, and I am ready to pay.”

Fognini insisted he would never act in such a way on court again.