‘Worst moment of my life’ – Alexander Zverev regrets actions in Acapulco
Alexander Zverev, ahead of the Indian Well Masters this week, has revealed that his outburst and expulsion from the Mexico Open was ”the biggest mistake of his tennis career”
The Olympic Champion was removed from the tournament due to violent conduct and verbal abuse towards the umpire. As a result, the German number one has been handed an eight-week suspended ban and issued a further suspended $25,000 (£19,000) fine, which will come into place if he repeats any similar behavior in any tournaments over the next 12 months. He also received a fine of $40,000 (£30,000) for unsportsmanlike conduct and verbal abuse and was docked all rankings points and prize money earned at Acapulco event.
Many current and former players have condemned his actions with Australian Open Champion Rafael Nadal stating he ”deserves” his punishment and it ”serves as a lesson” for the World number three.
Whereas others believe Zverev should face harsher punishments. Grand Slam Legend Mats Wilander thinks he should face a six month suspension, undergo a rehabilitation program and suggested an independent body should be formed to combat violent outbursts.
Zverev has since stated he deeply regrets his actions and that he is working hard to improve his conduct and control his emotions, “It still is embarrassing for me now. Walking around the locker room, it’s not a nice feeling. But we all do mistakes. I’m also a human being, and I can guarantee you I will never act this way again in my life. It was definitely the worst moment of my life.”
“I’ve been doing work, meditation-wise, I think there are stress situations in everyone’s life where stuff like this happens. I’m not the first, I won’t be the last for something bad to happen on the court,” he said speaking ahead of his return to the ATP tour for the first time since the incident in Acapulco.
He later added his punishments were completely justified and were the right course of action. “If I do that again, they have every right to ban me – it’s as simple as that, if I do that again, it means I haven’t learnt. I think everybody in life deserves a second chance but if you repeatedly do mistakes it means that you haven’t learnt.”
🎾 Free >> Receive our legendary newsletter
🎾 Join >> Tennishead CLUB, the world’s only virtual tennis club
🎾 Social >>Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube
🎾 Order >> World’s best tennis magazine
🎾 Shop >> Lowest price tennis gear from our trusted retail partner