Alexander Zverev has been handed a suspended eight-week ban for hitting the umpire's chair with his racket at last month's ATP 500 event in Acapulco, The Guardian reports.
The German world number three was expelled from the tournament following his actions at the Mexican Open after losing a doubles match alongside Marcelo Melo against Lloyd Glasspool and Harri Heliovaara on February 23.
Following a review, the ATP decided the 24-year-old had displayed "aggravated behavior", and he was issued an eight-week ban from any ATP-sanctioned event. Per CNN, he was also given a suspended fine of $25,000.
Watch the incident below:On Tuesday, March 8, the ATP released a statement on the matter, saying: "The review determined that Zverev committed Aggravated Behaviour under the Player Major Offense section of ATP Rules. As a result, Zverev has been issued an additional fine of 25,000 US dollars and a suspension for a period of eight weeks from any ATP-sanctioned event."
It continued: "However, the fine and suspension are withheld on the condition that, over a probation period ending 22 February 2023 [one year from the incident], the player does not incur a further Code Violation."
He had already been fined $40,000 and forfeited his prize money of over $30,000 dollars for his conduct.
As reported by the Guardian, Zverev had previously issued a public apology following his disqualification, saying his behavior was "unacceptable."
Zverev said: "It is difficult to put into words how much I regret my behavior during and after the doubles match yesterday. I have privately apologized to the chair umpire because my outburst towards him was wrong and unacceptable, and I am only disappointed in myself. It should not have happened and there is no excuse."
He went on to say: "I would also like to apologize to my fans, the tournament, and the sport that I love. As you know, I leave everything on the court. Yesterday, I left too much. I’m going to take the coming days to reflect - on my actions and how I can ensure that it will not happen again. I am sorry for letting you down."
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