Alexander Zverev faces the prospect of being suspended from the Tour for two months if he commits any unsportsmanlike conduct offences over the next year under a decision by the ATP.
The world No.3 has been found guilty of committing a ‘major offence’ at the Acapulco Open following an investigation conducted by the governing body of men’s tennis. At last month’s tournament Zverev was kicked out after swearing at the umpire and hitting his chair multiple times, narrowly missing his foot. He later apologized for his behaviour and said he would take time away from the sport to ‘reflect.’ He returned to action last weekend to play in Germany’s Davis Cup tie against Brazil.
“Zverev has been issued an additional fine of US$25,000 and a suspension for a period of eight weeks from any ATP-sanctioned event. However, the fine and suspension are withheld on the condition that, over a probation period ending 22 February 2023 (one year from the incident), the player does not incur a further Code Violation,” the ATP said in a statement.
There are two specific code violations that the German is not allowed to commit within this period if he wishes to escape a ban. The first is Unsportsmanlike Conduct based upon an act, such as disrespectful or aggressive behaviour. The other is verbal or physical abuse to anybody either during or after his matches.
At the Acapulco Open Zverev was playing alongside Brazil’s Marcelo Melo in the doubles tournament. During the final set tiebreaker, a Melo serve out wide was returned in by their opponent and was called good by the umpire. Even though fans and Zverev argued that the ball landed out. The placement of the shot was directly below the umpire’s chair and therefore he had the best view of it. However, Zverev was furious with the decision.
“Look where the ball bounced for f*ck sake. It’s your line. It’s f*cking your line. You f*cking idiot. F*ck off!” Zverev shouted at the umpire.
Following the outburst the German was handed a code violation for an audible obscenity. Then after the match ended he struck the umpire’s chair with his racket three times out of anger whilst the official was still sitting in it. During one of those swipes he nearly hit the right foot of the umpire. He then swore at the official two further times before hitting his chair once again.
It is debatable as to if the penalty issued by the ATP to Zverev is severe enough given his behaviour. Former world No.1 Mats Wilander had previously said the former US Open finalist should be made to go through some sort of rehab. However, others will argue that the year-long probation period could help shape Zverev’s behaviour on the court in the future.
Prior to the ruling Zverev has already been fined $40,000, forfeited $31,570 in prize money he earned in Acapulco and lost all of his ranking points from that tournament. He has until March 11th to appeal against the ATP ruling if he wishes.
Zverev is also under investigation by the ATP regarding allegations of domestic abuse of his former partner during their stay at the 2019 Shanghai Masters. It is not known as to when that investigation will conclude.
