Zverev’s mild punishment on Monday probably didn’t change his view, but it’s pertinent to remember that Williams also avoided suspension ...
Zverev’s mild punishment on Monday probably didn’t change his view, but it’s pertinent to remember that Williams also avoided suspension in 2009 after a profanity-filled tirade against a linesman in her semis loss -US Open final against Kim Clijsters. Williams, despite threatening to shove the bullet down the official’s throat, was fined $82,500 and placed on probation for two years.
Zverev, ranked No. 3, has already competed since the Acapulco incident, representing Germany in a Davis Cup game in Brazil last week. The Germans won, but Zverev later complained that the mob had crossed a line by directing personal violence against his family and support crew.
Sharypova, a Russian player, has not brought formal charges against Zverev since her domestic violence accusations were first reported by Racquet Magazine in November 2020. He has denied abusing her and the ATP n ‘ announced its investigation that nearly a year later. The investigation is, according to ATP officials, being conducted by a third party.
It’s been a tense time for a while for Zverev, but he’s managed to produce some brilliant tennis: he won gold in singles at the Summer Olympics last year, pushed Novak Djokovic to five sets in the semifinals of the 2021 US Open. then beat Djokovic and Medvedev to win the prestigious season-ending ATP Finals in Turin, Italy in November.
But this season hasn’t started auspiciously for a player who has yet to win a Grand Slam singles title. A heavy favorite at the Australian Open, he was upset in the fourth round by Shapovalov in three error-strewn sets, demolishing a racket in frustration in the second.
Then came Acapulco and a much more serious failure to control his temper. It should have cost him more than a defect, an average fine and a probation, but the ATP missed the opportunity to send the right message to its public, its players and – above all – its officials.
“Referees need to be protected at their place of work,” Ings said. “Player abuse of officials is increasing due to recent incidents, and this mild sanction will do nothing to deter future misconduct.”
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