MY ACCOUNT
Rafael Nadal hopes Alexander Zverev’s withdrawal from the Mexico Open will “serve as a lesson” for him and other players when it comes to controlling their emotions on the court.
The world number three was pulled out of this month’s tournament in Acapulco following an outburst where he hit the umpire’s chair with his racquet in a tirade following a doubles defeat.
The ATP subsequently barred him from competition for a second-round singles clash, with several leading players, including Novak Djokovic, condemning the German’s actions.
Speaking ahead of his own quarter-final this week, Nadal – who won a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam in at the Australian Open last month – stated he hoped the 24-year-old and other young players would learn that such behaviour is not acceptable.
“It’s unfortunate, without a doubt,” the Spaniard said. “I feel sorry for him as I have a good relationship with Alexander.
“In the end, he deserves the sanction because you can’t act in this way.
“I think Sascha is aware of that and I hope this will serve as a lesson for him and for other young players who sometimes lose control on the court.
“I am not going to enter into what is or is not fair in terms of sanction,” Nadal said. “But in the end you have to stop that type of attitude from becoming fashionable.”
Zverev had been due to face Peter Gojowczyk in a singles encounter before he exploded at the end of his match with partner Marcelo Melo against Lloyd Glasspool and Harri Heliovaara.
Following an over-ruled decision from the umpire that handed the latter pair match point in a super tie-break, the duo decided the game with an ace the very next serve.
That led to Zverev smashing his racquet against the umpire’s chair on multiple occasions in quick succession, punctured by a foul-mouthed tirade.
The Tokyo 2020 champion subsequently apologised for his behaviour. The Mexico Open continues until February 26.
