Alexander Zverev penalised with code violation after question automatic line calling at Madrid Open

Germany’s Alexander Zverev has been penalised with a code violation during his third-round match at the Madrid Open. The ongoing ATP 1000 event in Madrid is moving towards the business end, where the remaining players are giving their all to secure the ultimate prize.

Zverev managed to overcome a tough test against Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the round of 32 with a score of 2-6, 7-6, 7-6. During the contest, there was an interesting moment which led to the world number two being slapped with a code violation.

In the second set, Zverev questioned the call made by the automatic line calling. According to the German tennis star, the shot by his opponent fell out of the line, but according to the Hawk-Eye system, it bounced inside the restricted line. He went to the official, Mohamed Lahyani, and asked him to come and see it. “I’m not allowed,” was the response of the umpires. “We are not allowed. Alexander, the system gave a decision. It’s the same for both of you. You have to accept it.”

In response to that, Zverev stated that there must be an error in the system. “Then there’s a mistake in the system,” he said. “Because this ball is like this [far] out. Look at it, please. The ball is like this [far] out. Then there is a malfunction. Because I look at the mark now on the serve, it’s also out but like this. The forehand is like this.”

Since the umpire decided not to come and look at the available evidence, Zverev took his phone out and started taking picture of the mark of the ball. The incident made fans sitting in the arena whistle on the behaviour of the German tennis star. Chair umpire Lahyani ended up penalizing Zverev: “Unsportsmanlike conduct, warning, Mr. Zverev,” said Lahyani.