Alexander Zverev has apologised for his exasperated tirade at the Mexican Open.
The German tennis player was irate at the umpire after he lost a doubles match with partner Marcelo Melo over three sets. He's since been removed from the competition.
Zverev wasn't happy with the officiating and in the closing stages of the match, he shouted expletives at the umpire after a line-call appeared to anger him.
"Look where the ball bounced. It's 8-6 in the tiebreak. For fuck sake. Look where the ball bounced. It's your line. It's fucking your line. You fucking idiot," he shouted.
🔥SE FUE CON TODO🔥
Zverev perdió la cabeza tras malas decisiones del juez y lo que inició como un reclamo término en insultos golpes a la silla del oficial con su raqueta
📽 @paulinapaar#AMT2022 #Acapulco #Zverev pic.twitter.com/fISBLCxFBc— No Sólo Hay Futbol (@NosolohayFut_) February 23, 2022
The organisers of the Acapulco tournament had no choice but to withdraw Zverev after videos went viral on social media, in particular when the match had finished.
Zverev and Melo shook hands with opponents Lloyd Glasspool and Harri Heliovaara after losing the match, but the German made a b-line for the umpire's chair.
He then struck the chair with his racket repeatedly. The umpire attempted to flee the situation but Zverev went over and struck it once again.
"Due to unsportsmanlike conduct at the conclusion of his doubles match on Tuesday night, Alexander Zverev has been withdrawn from the tournament in Acapulco," organisers said.
Alexander Zverev has been THROWN OUT of the Mexican Open for attacking the umpire's chair at the end of his doubles match 😮😮😮 pic.twitter.com/CWhQ1r6kwj
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) February 23, 2022
Zverev Issues Apology
It now means the 24-year-old will have to forfeit his place in the doubles and singles competition, as he was due to face Peter Gojowczyk in the last 16 of the singles draw.
While there haven't been any sanctions yet from the ATP, Zeverev is likely facing a ban and a hefty fine for his actions at Acapulco on Tuesday night.
It comes a day after he and Jenson Brooksby went into the record books for the latest-ever finish to a professional tennis match. The three sets went on until 4:34am.
Zverev posted this statement on his Instagram account:
It is difficult to put into words how much I regret my behavior during and after the doubles match yesterday. I have privately apologised 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 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.
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