Alexander Zverev let his frustrations get the better of him last night in Acapulco, as he erupted in a rage after losing a R16 doubles match with partner Marcelo Melo 6-2 4-6 10-6 to Lloyd Glasspool and Harri Heliovaara.
Zverev was angry about a call during the late stages of the match and after subsequently losing and the perfunctory handshakes, the world no. 3 and Olympic gold medalist then smashed his Head racquet violently on the chair umpire stand, in a menacing display of anger and intimidation.
The ATP decided to disqualify Zverev from the singles R16 match vs Peter Gojowczyk. He is also expected to be fined. Many in the tennis media are even calling for Zverev to be suspended from competing for up to six months.
The reaction by the tennis establishment seems to be too severe against the 24 year old Zverev. An enraged Karolina Pliskova whacked the chair umpire chair with her Babolat racquet in Rome 2018 vs Maria Sakkari and was only fined $2500. Pliskova’s anger in Rome derived from a perceived bad call against her on an easy smash she thought was inside the line and Sakkari failed to show the out mark. The female chair umpire also failed to show an out mark.
Zverev similarly vented his anger like Pliskova but a different factor in the situation is he was forced to play the doubles last night in Mexico well past midnight (Pliskova lost to Sakkari in an afternoon match).
Today, the Zverev drama is the biggest story in the sport, more so than Mackenzie McDonald reaching the quarterfinals in Dubai. Stefan Kozlov beating Grigor Dimitrov in Acapulco for his career best win. And Andy Murray losing again with a wildcard, this time to Jannik Sinner in Dubai. Some of the tennis establishment are calling for Zverev’s neck because he did the exact same thing Pliskova did. But where was the media outrage against Pliskova?
Jim Courier actually did almost exactly what Zverev did last night at Monte Carlo doubles in 1997. On page 51 of Tennis Week magazine, May 22, 1997 issue: “Jim Courier was disqualified from is doubles match at the Monte Carlo Open after he cursed twice and then, after losing a point because of that, kicked the umpire’s chair. The disqualification cost Courier all of his prize money from the tournament, nearly $20,000. Courier and his partner Marc Rosset were losing by 4-1 in the third set to Luis Lobo and Javier Sanchez in the second round.”
You have to wonder why Zverev’s unacceptable outburst has provoked such an imbalanced reaction from the tennis media compared to Courier and Pliskova. It shows the sport may have an unfair bias against certain players, for whatever reason(s).
And certain targeting of certain players is a horrible sign of corruption and unfair play that the sport must abolish as soon as possible. Any form of unfair bias, targeting, demonizing, villainizing of certain players for certain agendas must be stopped — or the sport faces potential self destruction.
Acapulco · adidas · Alexander Zverev · Germany · Head · Jim Courier
Bill McGill · February 23, 2022 at 5:43 pm
I mean…there is a really big difference about exactly what part of the chair Zverev and Pliskova attacked. Pliskova did not come close to striking the umpire. Zverev did. So much so that Alessandro Germani flinched and tried to jump out of the way. I am not saying 6 months suspension is warranted, but nor do I think the Pliskova comparison is a fair comparison. Zverev’s recklessness was similar to Tsitsipas’ at the ATP World Cup last year – but Tsitsipas struck the right chair, inadvertently hitting his father rather than the umpire.
Scoop Malinowski · February 23, 2022 at 5:58 pm
Bill that is true, Zverev came close but there was no contact. He was wrong but being DQed is enough penalty IMO. First time offender. If he does it again, two week suspension.
Sam · February 24, 2022 at 1:29 am
What Zverev did was outrageous. I think he should be banned for several months, in addition to a hefty fine.
And many folks still think he behaved like a choirboy with Olya? Riiiiiiiight. 😑
Sam · February 24, 2022 at 1:38 am
By the way, I get what you’re saying about bias against certain players—that isn’t acceptable. Justice should be meted out impartially toward everyone.
Frankly, I believe the penalties against Pliskova and Courier were waaaay too lenient. 😛
Sam · February 24, 2022 at 2:15 am
Oh, I was just thinking—I’m surprised, Scoop, you didn’t mention the Serena Williams incident back in 2009! You could get arrested for making a physical threat like that against someone. He (Williams) should’ve been banned from the tour for at least a year.
Ultimately, though, just because shocking abuses were tolerated in the past, that doesn’t mean such a practice should continue. I mean, because Casey Anthony walked, does that mean that other mothers who murder their kids should be given a free pass too? 🤢
So, regardless of what Pliskova and Courier unjustly got away with, Zverev’s behavior should not be tolerated. However, as you’ve pointed out, the penalties should certainly be applied without partiality. ⚖️
Scoop Malinowski · February 24, 2022 at 7:17 am
Sam, Zverev snapped and he was wrong but it’s being overblown. If Tiafoe does the same thing I think he’s gets a pass. But Zverev is a media target. No I don’t believe a word of Olya Sharipova because she didn’t report anything to the police, she waited a year to tell it to a biased anti Zverev militant agenda driven hack of a reporter.
Scoop Malinowski · February 24, 2022 at 7:28 am
Sam, Serena has special privileges. If she half strangled that lineswoman to half death on the court, I think it’s actually possible the fake news media would have found a way to defend her and blame shame the innocent lineswoman. “The media has the power to make the innocent look guilty and the guilty look innocent.” – Malcolm x. Courier, Pliskova, and Zverev IMO all had a right to be upset with injustice. They all vented their emotions in a manner than offended a lot of people but let’s not forget no one was hurt. Bad unfair officiating has consequences too. Zverev was wrong and he apologized. See these two other incidents with Courier and Agassi…
Time to move on. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ukh21A935ww&feature=emb_title
https://www.menstennisforums.com/threads/courier-hitting-chair-ump-in-leg-agassi-yelling-f-you-at-chair-ump.1006099/#post-42174201
Doug Day · February 24, 2022 at 3:55 pm
Scoop break of big four 14 yr dominance today with Vesely downing Djokovic. Only Safin, Kyrios and now Vesely 2-0 vs. Joker. End of an era.
Scoop Malinowski · February 24, 2022 at 3:59 pm
Doug I think Novak hasn’t recovered full strength from his fight against all the establishment demons which tried to assassinate him and his character in Lostralia. Even the bbc interview screwed him, he talked for 90 minutes and they edited out 60 minutes. They did not use the parts that were most favorable for Novak. He’s still not recovered from the trauma of the metaphorical rape in Lostralia.
Doug Day · February 24, 2022 at 4:29 pm
Correction: #1 dominance began for big four in 2004 = 18 years!
Scoop Malinowski · February 24, 2022 at 4:42 pm
It took a political and media assassination to take out Novak.
Doug Day · February 25, 2022 at 5:43 pm
Politicians write the press releases the media goes along.
Scoop Malinowski · February 25, 2022 at 5:46 pm
Doug, are you saying all the mainstream media is carefully controlled and everything written and spoken by members of the mainstream media is all pre-scripted, pre-planned with a specific agenda?
Scoop Malinowski · February 25, 2022 at 8:06 pm
Nice interview by Carole Bouchard with Dmitri Tursunov about coaching success with Kontaveit. Four titles right after uniting last Sept and this year she’s still rising even higher. https://www.tennismajors.com/australian-open-news/dmitry-tursunov-the-honest-interview-with-the-outspoken-coach-who-helped-kontaveit-to-become-a-winning-machine-528984.html#:~:text=a%20winning%20machine-,Dmitry%20Tursunov%2C%20the%20frank%20interview%20with%20the%20outspoken%20coach%20who,to%20become%20a%20winning%20machine&text=As%20flashy%20with%20his%20game,coaching%20side%20of%20the%20sport.
Sam · February 26, 2022 at 4:06 pm
Sam, Zverev snapped and he was wrong but it’s being overblown.
That was very close to physical violence, Scoop. It was outrageous.
If Tiafoe does the same thing I think he’s gets a pass.
Of course. That doesn’t make it right, though.
But Zverev is a media target. No I don’t believe a word of Olya Sharipova
Oh, I believe her.
because she didn’t report anything to the police
Scoop, have you ever dealt with reporting something serious to the police? 😕 The police are not nice people. One time, I was scammed, and I reported it to the police. Well, they were cold, insensitive, and uncaring. After that, I made up my mind never to deal with the police again unless I had no choice. And that was just for being scammed. If I’d been a victim of abuse, I’m sure dealing with the police would be so much worse.
I believe Olya. And if I were in her shoes, I wouldn’t have reported the incident either. In fact, the majority of women who are victims of abuse or sexual harassment typically do not report it.
Why do you think Juanita Broaddrick waited for over 20 years to tell her story? Because she thought nobody would believe her. So . . . do you think she’s making up the whole incident about Bill Clinton raping her?
Madonna said that, when she moved to New York City at age 19, she got raped shortly afterward. But she decided not to press charges with the police. Why not? Here’s what she had to say:
“I was told that if I wanted to press charges, [I’d have to have a] physical examination, I have to go before the court, they are going to ask you all these personal questions.”
“You’ve already been violated,” said Madonna, “So then, do you want to talk about it? Do you want to make it public? No, it’s just not worth it. It’s too humiliating.”
——————-
she waited a year to tell it to a biased anti Zverev militant agenda driven hack of a reporter.
Rothenberg is terrible, I agree. But maybe he’s the only reporter who showed any interest in her story. Do I think he cares anything about Olya? No, he’s just using her. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that Olya is lying.
Sam · February 26, 2022 at 4:18 pm
Sam, Serena has special privileges. If she half strangled that lineswoman to half death on the court, I think it’s actually possible the fake news media would have found a way to defend her and blame shame the innocent lineswoman.
Of course they would’ve defended him.
They all vented their emotions in a manner than offended a lot of people but let’s not forget no one was hurt.
So . . . unless you actually stab, strangle, or beat an official, any other type of “venting” under the sun is totally acceptable? Riiiiiiiiight. 😄
In fact, I think what Djokovic did at the U.S. Open was much tamer than what Zverev did.
Bad unfair officiating has consequences too.
Yes, of course it does. And athletes have a right to complain about it in a mature, professional manner—not like some crazy hoodlum. 🦹♂️ From what I recall, Chris Evert seemed to be a good role model for that kind of appropriate behavior.
Zverev was wrong and he apologized.
Wow, what a hero. Let’s award him another gold medal for that! 😉
Sam · February 26, 2022 at 4:24 pm
Scoop wrote:
Even the bbc interview screwed him, he talked for 90 minutes and they edited out 60 minutes. They did not use the parts that were most favorable for Novak.
Well, frankly, it’s pretty stupid to grant a long interview to a “fake news” outlet like that. I mean, is what they did really a surprise? 😮
Just curious—do you know any details of some of the parts that were most favorable to Djokovic?
Scoop Malinowski · February 26, 2022 at 4:28 pm
If Sharipova is telling the total truth and Zverev is an abuser of women then he should pay the penalty. But there are three sides to every story and how are we going to find out the truth. Women lie. Men lie. Couples fight and argue and get vindictive. Money talks. When money talks the truth stays silent (Russian proverb). I don’t know, maybe hire Columbo or Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce to figure this one out. Zverev was wrong to hit the umpire chair but it’s been done before by other prominant stars and the punishment should be consistent to theirs. He apologized. Nobody got hurt. Tempers flare. Who wants to work overtime to 5 am and get jacked by a bad call? Time to move on. No need to make Mount Kilimanjaros out of a pitching mound.
Scoop Malinowski · February 26, 2022 at 4:36 pm
Sam, I think it’s too close to call. I still think it’s possible Djokovic lost his mind in that split second and hit that ball knowing there was a linesperson and ballboy in that area. He knew they were there. Of course he did not want to hit her in the throat or at all, my guess would be he wanted to cause a scare to distract Busta who was in control of the match after Djokovic lost control after blowing the triple set point 54, Busta won five points in a row and stole that game and then broke Djokovic the next game to lead 65. Djokovic was enraged at that failure on his part and it manifested by him rocketing that ball where he knew they were standing. No chance he meant to hit or hurt anyone but he did and he paid the dear price. Busta for some reason has his number on hard courts. For some reason a lot of people forget all the details of Novak’s choke which triggered his rage to hit that ball at the lineswoman. I don’t forget it. It was a devastating collapse by Novak from triple set point to in a matter of moments suddenly being down a break 56. Busta may indeed have won that match, he was playing absolutely incredible. These things can happen in tennis, anything can happen, anybody can get hot at any moment…Emma Raducanu is the poster girl for that.
Jeremy · February 27, 2022 at 1:08 pm
Great post. I agree with punishment, but my question is, why Medvedev only got a point penalty when he did the SAME THING in January? And Why is no one even mentioning this? And unlike Zverev, Medvedev has longer record of questionable conduct on the court – such as his childish tirade against the umpire at the AO in the Tsitsipas match.
https://www.tennis.com/baseline/articles/watch-medvedev-hits-hot-shot-umpire-s-chair-in-same-match?fbclid=IwAR37yx12uTx35Qjtajy5Vnmzb84AK4gBk5IAxaHgoZD5v0V3cwcwaA–1ak
Scoop Malinowski · February 27, 2022 at 3:54 pm
Jeremy, thank you. Guess it proves certain players have longer leashes and certain players have shorter leashes regarding misbehaviors on court. We all wish the ATP would be more consistent about this, favoritism or targeting certain players reflects poorly on the sport.
Doug Day · February 27, 2022 at 6:44 pm
To answer “is MSM messaging pre-planned?” How many times do the 5 or 6 network Ximocrat puppets use the exact same words? Tucker must skewer this weekly. While we hear a stale script, their minions hear the unctious pablum of their social media echo chamber.
Scoop Malinowski · February 28, 2022 at 7:21 am
Doug, what happend to their covid scripts? I hear the media never talks about covid anymore and fauci has vanished like john podesta, james alefantis, david brock and huma abedin. Tennis media and atp sure seems to be diminishing Djokovic lately.
Doug Day · February 28, 2022 at 2:13 pm
Nole the freedom fighter NUMBER ONE
https://rightandfree.com/news/2022/02/25/allergic-to-the-so-called-freedom-convoy
Scoop Malinowski · February 28, 2022 at 7:41 pm
Yes Novak, Kyrie Irving, Aaron Rodgers are the three top freedom fighters from sport.
Scoop Malinowski · March 1, 2022 at 10:29 am
How fake news works: R Couri Hay, famous NYC publicist: As a publicist, I know what the story is, and when there is no story, I create it. Once, I saw John Gotti and Imelda Marcos, dining separately, at a restaurant I was trying to get press for. I had a photographer shoot the two together. “The headline was: ‘Two Mob Bosses.’ I’ll go to incredible lengths to create news where there is none.