Indian Wells – Olympic tennis champion Alexander Zverev is embarrassed by his freak-out in Acapulco and the racket attack on the umpire’s chair a fortnight ago.
“It was certainly the worst moment of my life and my career,” the 24-year-old from Hamburg said at a press conference before the ATP tournament in Indian Wells. “But apologising is probably not enough, the way I behaved. It was embarrassing for me, it’s still embarrassing when I walk around or when I’m in the locker room. It’s not a nice feeling.”
The ATP had punished Zverev with an eight-week suspended ban the day before. In addition, the world number three was fined an additional $25,000 – also suspended – the ATP announced on Tuesday. This means Zverev will not be allowed to commit another offence leading to a fine for unsportsmanlike conduct until 22 February 2023 – one year after the incident.
Slapped against chair after defeat.
The 24-year-old had hit his racket several times against the umpire’s chair, on which the umpire was still sitting, after a defeat in the doubles at the tournament in Acapulco. He was disqualified and had to pay a 40,000 dollar fine. In addition, the Hamburg player has to pay back the prize money of more than 30,000 dollars and loses the points for the world ranking.
“That was probably the biggest mistake of my tennis career,” Zverev said. “At the end of the day, I hope people can forgive me and understand that there are big mental pressures and things happen that people don’t even see and that we are all human. It’s not easy for me. But I deserve that, that it’s not easy for me right now. “
