Almost Hits Referee Alessandro Germani, Zverev Kicked From Acapulco

Germany's Alexander Zverev (Instagram @atptour)

JAKARTA - Germany's Alexander Zverev has been kicked out of the ATP 500 tournament in Acapulco, Mexico, for "unsportsmanlike behavior" after his doubles match on Wednesday.

Zverev, partnered with Brazil's Marcelo Melo in doubles, came close to hitting referee Alessandro Germani when he repeatedly attacked the referee's chair with his racket after losing 6-2 4-6 (10-6) to British pair Lloyd Glasspool and Harri Heliovaara.

"Due to unsportsmanlike behavior at the end of the doubles match on Tuesday night, Alexander Zverev has been withdrawn from the tournament in Acapulco", the ATP said in a statement.

After shaking hands with opponents, 24-year-old Zverev ranked third in singles, approached the referee's chair, and hit him repeatedly before heading to the courtside seat, irritated by a phone call during the previous game.

He approached the chair a second time and once again hit it while shouting an expletive.

The former US Open finalist completed a first-round win over American Jenson Brooksby at the Abierto Mexicano tournament at 4:55 a.m. Tuesday, local time, the latest finish for a professional tennis match.

Last year's winner, Zverev, was due to meet fellow German Peter Gojowczyk, who will now get a walkover to advance to the quarter-finals.

Zverev's outburst of anger could earn him more sanctions than the men's professional tennis organization, the ATP.

In 2019, following an initial fine of $113,000, Australian Nick Kyrgios was given a 16-week ban and an additional $25,000 fine for "severe behavior" by the ATP following an internal investigation.

The ATP in October last year also launched an internal investigation into allegations of domestic violence against Zverev, by his ex-girlfriend Olga Sharypova.