Alexander Zverev given suspended eight-week ban as ATP concludes investigation into outburst
Alexander Zverev will be able to play the Indian Wells Masters but has been handed a suspended eight-week ban that will be enforced should he receive further code violations within the next year.
World number three Zverev was recently ejected from the Mexican Open after he swung his racket at the Chair Umpire’s stand a total of four times, almost striking the Umpire’s foot with the second swing.
As such, defending champion Zverev was also fined $40,000 (£30,000) for unsportsmanlike conduct and verbal abuse and was docked of all rankings points and prize money earned at Acapulco event.
23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams felt these were lenient sanctions and recently expressed that she felt she “would probably be in jail” if it was her who committed the offences.
However, despite apologising profusely for his actions via his social media channels, Zverev was also subject to a further ATP investigation on top of these punishments, which has now been completed.
The ATP’s Senior Vice President of Rules and Competition, Miro Bratoev, carried out the investigation and determined that “Zverev committed Aggravated Behaviour under the Player Major Offense section of ATP Rules.”
Zverev has been issued a suspended eight-week ban and a further $25,000 (£19,000) fine should he receive further code violations for either unsportsmanlike conduct and verbal and physical abuse.
In a statement, the ATP said “if the conditions are met, the penalties will be formally dismissed following the completion of the probation period.
“If the conditions are not met, the penalties will be invoked after any appeal process is exhausted.”
The probation period is active until February 23rd 2023 and the punishments will be dismissed if he goes a year without breaking these code violations.
Zverev has until March 11th to appeal the outcome of the investigation.
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