Alexander Zverev has not only attracted attention with his good performance lately. His freak out in Acapulco brought him both criticism and penalties. The tennis pro himself is still embarrassed.
Tennis Olympic champion Alexander Zverev is embarrassed by his freak out in Acapulco and the racket attack on the referee’s chair two weeks ago. “It was definitely the worst moment of my life and career,” said the 24-year-old from Hamburg at a press conference before the ATP tournament in Indian Wells on Wednesday.
“Sorry is probably not enough given the way I acted. It was embarrassing for me, it’s still embarrassing when I’m walking around or in the locker room. It’s not a nice feeling.”
Zverev can’t afford any misconduct for a year
ATP had punished Zverev the day before with an eight-week suspended ban (Here you can read more about it). In addition, the number three in the world rankings was fined an additional $ 25,000 – also on probation – as the ATP announced on Tuesday.
This means that Zverev cannot afford any further violations that lead to a fine for unsportsmanlike conduct until February 22, 2023 – one year after the incident.
“Biggest mistake of my tennis career”
At the tournament in Acapulco, the 24-year-old had hit the referee’s chair with his racket several times after losing in doubles, on which the referee was still sitting. He also verbally abused the referee. He was disqualified and fined $40,000. In addition, the Hamburger has to pay back the prize money of more than 30,000 dollars and loses the points for the world rankings.
“That was probably the biggest mistake of my tennis career,” said Zverev. “At the end of the day I hope people can forgive me and understand that there is a lot of mental pressure and things happen that people don’t see and that we are all human. It’s not easy for me. But I have deserves that it’s not easy for me right now.”