Alexander Zverev news: Rafael Nadal feels German deserved tougher sanction for Mexico outburst

He has nothing personally against Alexander Zverev as he has “very good relationship” with the German, but Rafael Nadal believes the punishment for the world No 3’s action at the Mexican Open should have been stronger.
Zverev was withdrawn from the ATP 500 event after an extraordinary expletive-laden outburst against the chair umpire while he also hit the official’s chair several times with his racket.
He was fined and lost all his racking points while he apologised in the immediate aftermath of the event as the ATP also conducted its own review.
However, the powers that be opted to only hand him a suspended eight-week ban and an additional fine, but Nadal feels they should have come down harder on the 24-year-old players need to set “positive example” while the sport also needs to be protected.
“It’s so difficult to talk in my position because from one point of view, I have a good relationship with Sascha (Zverev)- I like him and I practice with him very often,” Nadal said.
“I wish him all the very best and he knows that he was wrong, honestly, and he recognised that very early.
“So that’s a positive thing in his side, in my opinion.
“On the other hand … if we’re not able to control and create a rule or a way to penalise this type of attitudes a little bit in a stronger way, then we as a players, we feel stronger and stronger all the time.
“We need to be a positive example, especially for the kids watching us.
“So from one side, I don’t want a penalisation for Sascha because I like him and I have very good relationship with him.
“In the other hand … I’d like to see something harder for this kind of attitudes, not only him, I mean in general terms because this protects the sport and protects the referees.”
Latest
-
French Open
Carlos Alcaraz proofs French Open title credentials with dominant first-round victory
Carlos Alcaraz powers into the second round at Roland Garros.
-
French Open
Alexander Zverev keeps French Open match short and sweet, but hopes to go from stable to winning titles
“I’m always somebody that likes to win, rather than be stable,” says Zverev.
-
Wimbledon
Cameron Norrie says Wimbledon will be ‘like an exhibition’ as he warns a few top players might not play
British No 1 has his say on consequences following decision to strip Wimbledon of ranking points.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon news: Former US Open champion says decision to strip major of ranking points ‘the correct one’
Sloane Stephens shares views on controversial move.
-
French Open
Carlos Alcaraz news: Top players to suffer if they’re to beat Spaniard at Roland Garros
He’s been unstoppable this season.
-
French Open
Red-hot Ons Jabeur stunned in opener at Roland Garros by world No 52 Magda Linette
Ons Jabeur stunned in Roland Garros opener.
-
French Open
Birthday boy Novak Djokovic looking to reset in the summer of ’22
Novak Djokovic is 35 today. This summer might just see him return to the top of his game after losing himself at the turn of the year.
-
French Open
Rafael Nadal plays down Roland Garros favourite tag as ‘there are players that are in better shape’
Rafael Nadal cautiously optimistic ahead of Roland Garros.
-
French Open
Emma Raducanu news: John McEnroe doubtful Brit can go far in French Open
She has had a lot of injuries so far this season.
-
Wimbledon
Sergiy Stakhovsky news: Ukrainian rips into ATP’s Wimbledon decision
He’s really not happy about the decision.