Alexander Zverev comes close to hitting chair umpire with racquet

Alexander Zverev came dangerously close to striking the chair umpire with his racquet after he lost his doubles match at the Mexican Open late on Tuesday.

The singles World No 3 German had teamed up with Brazil’s Marcelo Melo, a former World No 1 doubles player. The duo however lost 6-2, 4-6, 10-6 to lucky losers Lloyd Glasspool and Harri Heliovaara in the opening round encounter.

Alexander Zverev ended his doubles loss against Glasspool/Heliovaara by attacking the umpire's chair while arguing with and looking at him after each strike. Looks like a blatant act of intimidation and there should be serious repercussions for this behaviour. https://t.co/K1UhFH05M8

— Tumaini Carayol (@tumcarayol) February 23, 2022

Immediately after the players’ customary post-match handshake, Zverev was seen slamming his racquet against the umpire’s chair multiple times, coming very close to hitting the umpire. There was no remorse, however, as he continued to shout at the umpire.

Zverev was angered by an umpiring call he felt should have been given ‘out’, but was not. This was at 8-6 in the tiebreak. In rage, Zverev started hurling abuse at the umpire.

Presently, it is unclear what disciplinary sanctions the German will face, if he will face any at all.