MY ACCOUNT
Alexander Zverev has apologised for his outburst at the Mexico Open that saw him “withdrawn” from the singles competition for attacking an umpire’s chair.
Zverev and Brazil’s Marcelo Melo were in a super tie-break against Lloyd Glasspool and Harri Heliovaara when they were angered by a call made by the umpire, who overruled a decision from the line judge.
Glasspool and Heliovaara subsequently profited by delivering an ace on match point, which was followed by Zverev quickly walking off and smashing his racquet against the umpire’s chair three times.
The world number three then shouted at the umpire that he had “destroyed the whole f****** match” before striking the chair again.
Zverev was due to be in second-round singles action against Peter Gojowczyk, but the ATP Tour confirmed the Olympic champion had been removed from the draw due to “unsportsmanlike conduct”.
Former world number one Andy Murray condemned the 24-year-old’s “reckless” outburst after his loss to Jannik Sinner, and Zverev has now apologised unreservedly for his raging response.
“It is difficult to put into words how much I regret my behaviour during and after the doubles match yesterday,” Zverev wrote on Instagram on Wednesday.
“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 apologise to my fans, the tournament, and the sport that 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.”
