Zverev's Mobile Mishap Thrills Madrid Crowd
Tennis player Zverev captures referees on camera using mobile device. - Tennis player Zverev purposely captures a photo with his cell phone to intentionally provoke the referee's annoyance.
Alexander Zverev snagged a spot in the round of 16 at the Madrid Masters, bagging a tough win against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina with scores of 2:6, 7:6 (7:3), 7:6 (7:0). Yet, it was a questionable incident during the second set that left a lasting impression.
In an unexpected turn of events, a call made by chair umpire favoring Spanish player Fokina caused a stir. The ball, allegedly landing beyond the line, was deemed to have just kissed the line according to the ATP Tour's electronic system. Unhappy with the verdict, Zverev argued his case, and when the umpire remained unmovable, the heated German whipped out his phone from the bench and captured the controversial mark—clear violation of court protocols.
A Warning for the World No. 4
The unconventional move, however, didn't go unpunished. Zverev received a warning from the umpire for disobeying court rules. Nevertheless, the BMW Open champion shrugged it off, maintaining his composure and focus on the game.
Interestingly, tennis enthusiast and former footballer Toni Kroos was present to support the match, alongside his daughter. Zverev and Kroos exchanged friendly greetings in the stadium's catacombs before the encounter, with the latter presenting the German star with a signed national team jersey, perhaps, bestowing him an luck charm.
The Madrid tournament serves as a significant warm-up for the French Open in Paris, scheduled in a month. With Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz already out and Jannik Sinner under a doping ban, Zverev's odds of success have noticeably improved.
Sources: DPA, X
- Alexander Zverev
- Madrid
- Smartphone
- Line-call controversy
- Athletes' disagreements
- Alexander Zverev, despite his frustration over a line-call controversy during a tennis match in Madrid, managed to maintain his composure and focus on the game.
- In an unusual incident, Zverev was seen violating court protocols by using his smartphone to capture a controversial mark during the tournament.
- Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Zverev engaged in an heated argument with the chair umpire over a line-call that went against the German player.
- Tennis enthusiast and former footballer Toni Kroos, who was present to support the match, shared a friendly moment with Zverev in the catacombs before the encounter, giving him a signed national team jersey.
