World No3 Alexander Zverev has been tossed from the ongoing Mexican Open after attacking the umpire’s chair with his racquet during an astonishing rant.
The Olympic champion was furious after he and doubles partner Marcelo Melo, lost 6-2 4-6 10-6 to Lloyd Glasspool and Harri Heliovaara.
Zverev after congratulating their opponents turned his rage towards the umpire, lashing out at the chair with his racquet three times before returning for a fourth crack as the umpire descended the stairs in ugly scenes.
This is awful from Alexander Zverev. Takes more than one swipe to almost hit the umpire https://t.co/R358EIZ9St
— Nathan Salt (@NathSalt1) February 23, 2022
The 24-year-old is the defending singles champion of the ongoing event.
He was due to face countryman Peter Gojowczyk in the second round but has now been removed from the tournament.
Gojowczyk has been issued a walkover victory as a result.
Due to unsportsmanlike conduct at the conclusion of his doubles match on Tuesday night, Alexander Zverev has been withdrawn from the tournament in Acapulco.
The updated Draw can be viewed here:https://t.co/Hqdsgiplgm
— ATP Media Info (@ATPMediaInfo) February 23, 2022
Zverev being tossed from the Mexican Open does not come as surprise to any avid tennis fan.
His temper getting out of control is a common sight but his racquets are usually the ones to bear the brunt of his frustration.
It is the first time that he has openly attacked someone in court.
All eyes will turn to tennis’ governing bodies to decide what the next course of action will be. It is likely that the German will be fined handily and may even be banned for some time.
