Alexander Zverev, the world number three, has been disqualified from the Mexican Open for “unsportsmanlike conduct” after attacking the umpire’s chair at the end of a doubles match in Acapulco.
Zverev and Marcelo Melo of Germany complained with the umpire during the deciding tie-break as they fell 6-2 4-6 10-6 to Lloyd Glasspool and Harri Heliovaara of Finland.
With his racquet, Zverev whacked the umpire’s chair multiple times.
In the singles tournament, the 24-year-old was the reigning champion.
“Due to unsportsmanlike conduct at the conclusion of his doubles match on Tuesday night, Alexander Zverev has been withdrawn from the tournament in Acapulco,” an ATP statement read.
His opponent Peter Gojowczyk has been given a walkover into the third round.
During the tie-break, Zverev claimed a ball was mistakenly ruled out and began ranting at the umpire, with the crowd siding with the official.
The match was subsequently sealed up with an ace on the next point by Britain’s Glasspool and Finland’s Heliovaara.
Zverev whacked the chair three times with his racket and came near to striking the umpire’s foot once.
As the umpire began to get out of his chair, he proceeded to shout at him and took another swing.
Unsportsmanlike conduct is defined as “any behaviour by a player that is manifestly abusive or damaging to the performance of a tournament, the ATP, or the sport,” according to the ATP.
The ATP is investigating Zverev for claims of domestic violence against a former partner. He has vehemently disputed the allegations.
Alexander Zverev ended his doubles loss against Glasspool/Heliovaara by attacking the umpire's chair while arguing with and looking at him after each strike. Looks like a blatant act of intimidation and there should be serious repercussions for this behaviour. https://t.co/K1UhFH05M8
— Tumaini Carayol (@tumcarayol) February 23, 2022