Alexander Zverev attacked the referee’s chair in Acapulco. © APA / afp / MARCOS DOMINGUEZ
Tennis Olympic champion Alexander Zverev is embarrassed by his freak out in Acapulco and the racket attack on the referee’s chair two weeks ago.
March 10, 2022
From: dpa/dl
“It was definitely the worst moment of my life and my career,” said the 24-year-old from Hamburg at a press conference before the ATP tournament in Indian Wells on Wednesday (local time). “Sorry is probably not enough given the way I’ve been acting. It was embarrassing for me, it’s still embarrassing when I’m walking around or in the locker room. It’s not a nice feeling.”
The day before, ATP had punished Zverev with an eight-week suspended ban. In addition, the number three in the world rankings was fined an additional $ 25,000 – also on probation – as the ATP announced on Tuesday. This means that Zverev cannot afford any further violations that lead to a fine for unsportsmanlike conduct until February 22, 2023 – one year after the incident.
“That was probably the biggest mistake of my tennis career”
Alexander Zverev
At the tournament in Acapulco, the 24-year-old had hit the referee’s chair with his racket several times after losing in doubles, on which the referee was still sitting. He was disqualified and fined $40,000. In addition, the Hamburger has to pay back the prize money of more than 30,000 dollars and loses the points for the world rankings.
“That was probably the biggest mistake of my tennis career,” said Zverev. “At the end of the day I hope people can forgive me and understand that there is a lot of mental pressure and things happen that people don’t see and that we are all human. It’s not easy for me. But I deserve that it’s not easy for me right now.”
