- World number three
Alexander Zverev has been thrown out of the Mexico Open for unsportsmanlike conduct. - The German smashed his racket into the umpire's chair multiple times after defeat in a doubles match.
Alexander Zverev has been thrown out of the Mexico Open after a shocking incident which saw him attack the umpire's chair with his racket at the end of match.
The world number three was competing in the men's doubles alongside Marcelo Melo on Tuesday night when he began quarreling with the official during the final set tie-break.
Zverev believed a ball was incorrectly called out and began yelling at Italian umpire Alessandro Germani, calling him a "fucking idiot."
After opponents Lloyd Glasspool and Harri Heliovaara then sealed victory with an ace on the following point, the German proceeded to walk over to the umpire's chair and smash it with his racket multiple times, forcing Germani to lift his feet out of the way.
"You fucking destroyed the whole fucking match," Zverev screamed as boos rang out from the stands.
He then hit the umpire's chair one final time before grabbing his bags and leaving the court.
Watch footage of the incident here:
—ESPN Deportes (@ESPNDeportes) February 23, 2022
On Wednesday, the ATP confirmed Zverev had been disqualified from the entire competition, including the singles tournament in which he was the defending champion.
"Due to unsportsmanlike conduct at the conclusion of his doubles match on Tuesday night, Alexander Zverev has been withdrawn from the tournament in Acapulco," a statement said.
It remains unclear whether Zverev, who is currently under investigation by the ATP following allegations of domestic abuse made by his former partner, will face further sanctions for his actions.
The 24-year-old's agent did not immediately reply to Insider's request for comment.
A record breaking night
The incident involving Zverev happened less than 24 hours after he was involved in the latest finish in
The match started at 1:30 a.m local time and did not finish until 4:55 a.m., with Zverev winning 3-6, 7-6 (12-10), 6-2.
Play in Acapulco does not begin until 6 p.m. local time due to the heat and all three of Monday's Centre Court matches prior to Zverev's lasted over three hours.
The previous latest finish was 4:34 a.m. when Lleyton Hewitt beat Marcos Baghdatis at the 2008 Australian Open.
"Right now I'm happy to have won," Zverev said after his victory. "I don't know how Jenson feels. Must be difficult but happy to be a part of history. It was an incredible battle."
As a result of his expulsion from the tournament on Wednesday, Zverev's second round opponent Peter Gojowczyk has been given a walkover into the third round.