It has been a turbulent time for World Number 3, Alexander Zverev. After the highs of the previous season that saw him win six titles, including the year-end ATP Finals, Tokyo Olympics gold medal, the German has not had the most ideal start to this season. Last season was his most successful on the ATP Tour, but Zverev has started the 2022 season on a wrong-footing.

He suffered a shock defeat against the Canadian, Denis Shapovalov, in the fourth round of the Australian Open. Next, he couldn’t clear the final hurdle in Montpellier as he finished second-best in the ATP 250 tournament. Further, controversy engulfed the 24-year-old in Acapulco, as he smashed his racket at the chair of the umpire in frustration after losing his doubles first-round match.

Subsequently, the ATP announced a series of actions against the German for his outburst. However, American tennis legend, Chris Evert, felt that the penalties were too light, given the magnitude of Zverev’s actions.

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Chris Evert opens up on the ATP’s actions against Alexander Zverev for his Acapulco controversy

The 18-time Grand Slam champion was in total disagreement with the ATP’s decision in Zverev’s racket smashing case. She said, “I’ll tell you exactly how I feel about this decision. I think [it’s] too gentle. I’m not here to judge Zverev’s behavior or judge him as a human being. As far as I know, my experiences with him have always been nice and kind to me.”

Further, she added, “But that punishment or consequence is far too mild for me. He should have been off the circuit for several months. That’s all I’m talking about.” (Translated using Google Translate)

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Earlier this week, the ATP announced an additional fine of USD 25,000 and a suspension for eight weeks. However, Zverev is kept on probation for a year and both the fine and the suspension will only be applicable if he incurs a further code violation in the probation period.

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These actions were in addition to the hefty fines during the tournament. He was penalized USD 20,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct and USD 20,000 for verbal abuse. Additionally, he was defaulted from the tournament and had to forfeit the Acapulco prize money and ranking points earned during the tournament.