After freaking out at the tournament in Acapulco, Alexander Zverev has now been given an eight-week suspended ban by the tennis organization ATP. In addition, the world number three was fined $25,000, also on probation. This means that Zverev cannot commit any violations that lead to a fine for unsportsmanlike conduct until February 22, 2023, and the Olympic champion can appeal until Friday. After a defeat in doubles, the 24-year-old hit the referee’s chair several times with his racket, on which the referee was still sitting, and also verbally abused the referee.
Zverev had already apologized via Instagram for his inglorious appearance. It is difficult to put into words how much he regrets his behavior, he wrote. He also privately apologized to the chair umpire and wanted to learn the lessons from the incident. “I will use the coming days to reflect on my actions and how I can ensure that something like this doesn’t happen again,” wrote the 24-year-old.
Last weekend, Zverev led the German Davis Cup team to a 3-1 victory in the first round game in Brazil. In terms of sport, Zverev convinced with two wins in singles, but it bothered him that Brazilian fans insulted him. The spectators had exceeded a limit, complained the German number one. “You can hate me, not like me. But if it goes against your family or someone you love, then a line is crossed,” said Zverev.
The former world number one Mats Wilander from Sweden had recently brought up a three to six-month suspension and a ban for the most important tournaments on the Eurosport broadcaster, which also includes the following Masters event in Indian Wells. But it didn’t get that far, which many criticize.
“Would have ended up in jail”
The 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams is certain that she would have been punished much more severely if she had behaved similarly to the German. “You can see the double standards in tennis. If I had done that, I would probably have ended up in prison, no joke,” said the 40-year-old.
Source: Nachrichten
