Spain's Rafael Nadal reacts after winning the men's singles final match against Russia's Daniil Medvedev on day fourteen of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 31, 2022. - -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo by MARTIN KEEP/AFP via Getty Images)
Alexander Zverev was disqualified for abusing the chair umpire during his Doubles match – Rafael Nadal has his say
Rafael Nadal clarifies his take on the controversy surrounding Alexander Zverev. The German was seen furiously abusing the chair umpire and smashing his racquet after a decision didn’t go in his favour. The incident occurred during a Round of 16 doubles match at the Mexican Open. Zverev and his Brazilian partner Marcelo Melo lost the match 2-6, 6-4, 6-10.
Zverev’s reaction on the court has drawn criticism from various sections of the tennis world. Speaking on the incident, Nadal said, “I feel for him. I have a good relationship with Alexander. He deserved to be disqualified because you cannot act this way. There are millions of children watching you. He will definitely learn from it.”
The tournament authorities officially announced that the German stands disqualified. “Due to unsportsmanlike conduct at the conclusion of the doubles match on Tuesday night, Alexander Zverev has been withdrawn from the tournament in Acapulco”, the tournament’s official handle put out a statement on Twitter.
Alexander Zverev has apologised for his behaviour. “It is difficult to put into words how much I regret my behavior during and after the doubles match yesterday. I have privately apologized to the chair
umpire because my outburst towards him was wrong and unacceptable, and I am only disappointed in myself”, the German said.
The Men’s singles bracket is heating up at the Acapulco Open. The ATP 500 event saw participation from 4 of the top 5 ranked players. Barring Zverev, the rest of the top seeds Nadal, Tsitsipas and Medvedev have all made it through the quarter-finals. Fans can expect an immensely exciting knock out stage match. With the World No.1 spot at stake, things are getting even spicier. The event is turning out to be a perfect curtain-raiser for the 2nd Grand Slam of the year, the French Open.
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