In Mexico, Alexander Zverev hit the referee’s chair with his racket and probably hit his foot. The outburst of anger had several consequences, but they didn’t hit the German hard.
The German tennis star Alexander Zverev initially got off lightly for his freak out in Acapulco, but is now playing on probation. The world champion and Olympic champion was sentenced by the ATP to a $25,000 (23,020 euro) fine and an eight-week ban – both of which only apply if Zverev (24) fails again within a year.
At the tournament in Acapulco, Mexico in February, the man from Hamburg insulted the referee Alessandro Germani after losing in doubles and then hit the referee’s high chair several times with his bat. Germani had to duck his foot to avoid being hit.
Alexander Zverev disqualified for the individual
Zverev was then disqualified for the individual and received a $40,000 (36,840 euro) fine. He said he regretted his behavior and apologized. His parole expires on February 22, 2023.
According to the ATP announcement from Tuesday, Zverev must not “allow unsportsmanlike behavior that leads to a fine” until then, nor may he “verbally or physically attack referees, opponents, spectators or any other person” while he is located on the court. If these conditions are not met, “the penalty comes into effect”.
