‘I’m only disappointed in myself’ – Alexander Zverev ‘will reflect’ following ejection

Alexander Zverev is thoroughly disappointed in himself after verbally attacking and physically threatening a chair umpire, resulting in his withdrawal from the Acapulco Open. 

The world number three boiled over in his doubles match, hurling expletives at the chair umpire and thrashing his racket against the chair after losing the match.

Zverev was ejected from the tournament soon after, since acknowledging fault in his behaviour.

“It is difficult to put into words how much I regret my behaviour during and after the doubles match yesterday,” Zverev began a statement on his Instagram story.

“I have privately apologised to the chair umpire because my outburst towards him was wrong and unacceptable.

“I am only disappointed in myself.”

Zverev’s outburst came as a result of a tight call deep into a match tiebreak when the German was adamant that a return from his opponents had sailed wide, but it was called in.

Having previously won his first round singles match against American youngster Jenson Brooksby, Zverev was set to face compatriot Peter Gojowczyk next.

However, Gojowczyk has now received a walkover and will take on either Cameron Norrie or John Isner in the quarter-finals.

Zverev added in his statement: “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.”

The German will next take to the court at Indian Wells, beginning 10th March, as he looks to improved on his career best result there of reaching the quarter-finals at last year’s event.

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