Alexander Zverev hit with huge fine for ugly Acapulco outburst and could still face ban
- Planet Sport writer
- 25 February 2022
An apology couldn't save Alexander Zverev from disciplinary action after his Mexican Open disgrace.
Alexander Zverev has been hit hard by the ATP after he was remarkably kicked out of the Mexican Open.
The world number three won his singles match at Acapulco but trouble flared up when he competed in the doubles.
Unhappy with a line call, Zverev repeatedly smashed his racket against the umpire's chair, actually striking Alessandro Germani's leg in the process.
Zverev was immediately ejected from the tournament and, although he appologised straight away, he has been fined 40,000 US dollars (£30,000) and forfeited his prize money of more than 30,000 US dollars (£22,500) for his actions. He will also lose all rankings points from the event.
The fines represent the maximum amounts that the ATP can impose, and the 24-year-old German could still face further sanctions - including a ban - when a full investigation has taken place.
An ATP statement read: "Following ATP's withdrawal of Alexander Zverev from this week's tournament in Acapulco due to unsportsmanlike conduct, the player has received the following on-site penalties; verbal abuse - 20,000 US dollars, unsportsmanlike conduct - 20,000 US dollars.
"This represents the maximum fine per each violation. Zverev also forfeits full prize money of 31,570 US dollars (singles and doubles), as well as all ATP rankings points from the event.
"A further review of the incident will now follow per ATP rules."
This is what Alexander Zverev has posted on his Instagram account after smashing his racquet repeatedly into the chair of the umpire within an inch of his feet, and getting thrown out of Acapulco … pic.twitter.com/oXvmt8lETS
— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) February 23, 2022
Zverev previously admitted his remorse over the incident, which came at a time when he is already accused of domestic abuse by a former girlfriend.
"It is difficult to put into words how much I regret my behavior during and after the doubles match yesterday," Zverev said.
"I have privately apologized to the chair umpire because my outburst towards him was wrong and unacceptable, and I am only disappointed in myself.
"It just should not have happened and there is no excuse. I would also like to apologize to my fans, the tournament, and the sport that I love.
"As you know, I leave everything on the court. Yesterday, I left too much. I am going to take the coming days to reflect - on my actions and how I can ensure that it will not happen again. I am sorry for letting you down."
