Alexander Zverev kicked out of Mexican Open after striking umpire's chair with his racket
- Planet Sport writer
- 23 February 2022
Following a double's match in the Mexican Open, Zverev lashed out in anger, striking the umpire's chair three times.
The incident occurred just moments after Zverev and partner Marcelo Melo were beaten 6-2 4-6 10-6 by Britain's Lloyd Glasspool and Finland's Harri Heliovaara.
Despite showing frustration throughout the match, Zverev initially appeared to be taking defeat well, heading to the net to shake hands with his opponents.
But following the handshakes, the world No.3 headed to the umpire's chair and proceeded to hit his racket against the chair, almost hitting the official's leg with his final swing.
The 24-year-old continued shouting expletives during his show of rage, and after the umpire climbed down to the court, Zverev took a final swing at the chair.
Following the match, tournament organisers swiftly took to Twitter to announce that Zverev had been expelled from the tournament, stopping him from competing in the single's tournament.
Their statement on social media read, "Due to unsportsmanlike conduct at the conclusion of his doubles match on Tuesday night, Alexander Zverev has been withdrawn from the tournament in Acapulco."
Aviso importante @atptour
— Abierto Mexicano (@AbiertoTelcel) February 23, 2022
Due to unsportsmanlike conduct at the conclusion of his doubles match on Tuesday night, Alexander Zverev has been withdrawn from the tournament in Acapulco.
The ATP are expected to add to Zverev's punishment but are yet to hand out any sanctions.
Their website has since confirmed that the scheduled second round match between Zverev and Peter Gojowczyk has been declared void, with the 32-year-old handed a walkover to the quarter-finals.
