'I hope this will serve as a lesson' - Rafael Nadal says Alexander Zverev must learn from chair attack

ByAlex Livie

Updated 24/02/2022 at 11:02 GMT

Alexander Zverev is still coming to terms with his default from the Mexican Open for hitting the umpire's chair with his racquet. A suspension could be coming his way, and 21-time major champion Rafael Nadal feels the German needs to mend his ways and take responsibility for his actions as it cannot be allowed to become the norm.

Rafael Nadal has called on Alexander Zverev and other rising stars of the game to control their emotions on court and never cross the line of what is acceptable.

Zverev was defaulted from the Mexican Open after repeatedly hitting the umpire’s chair with his racquet after losing a doubles match.

The German has apologised for his actions, but he is likely to face serious censure and there has been widespread condemnation of his actions.

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Nadal is in Acapulco and after easing into the quarter-finals with a straight-sets win over Stefan Kozlov, he gave his thoughts on the situation.

The winner of 21 Grand Slams says he has a good relationship with Zverev, but that there is no place for such acts of aggression and petulance.

“It’s unfortunate, without a doubt,” Nadal said. “I feel sorry for him as I have a good relationship with Alexander.

“In the end, he deserves the sanction because you can’t act in this way.

“I think Sascha is aware of that and I hope this will serve as a lesson for him and for other young players who sometimes lose control on the court.”

• Zverev's Mexico DQ not too harsh - Djokovic
• Corretja: Zverev crossed the line

'The disqualification was not too harsh' - Djokovic on Zverev's outburst in Mexico

There has been suggestions that Zverev could face a suspension and while not being drawn to comment on what sanction is handed down, Nadal felt punishments must be seen to act as a deterrent.

“I am not going to enter into what is or is not fair in terms of sanction,” Nadal said. “But in the end you have to stop that type of attitude from becoming fashionable."

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