(In pictures) Alexander Zverev adds to clay calling controversy after taking on-court camera snap at Madrid Open
Alexander Zverev has followed Aryna Sabalenka in calling out the tennis officiating system on clay court calling.
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Alexander Zverev (via X)
Alexander Zverev shared a surprising moment on Instagram after his match at the Madrid Open. During his third-round clash with Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, he disagreed with an automatic line call. Zverev asked the umpire to check the mark, but the rules did not allow it.
Instead, Zverev walked to his bag, grabbed his phone, and took a picture of the mark. This delayed Davidovich Fokina’s serve. Zverev received a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct, but it didn’t stop him. After winning the match, he posted the photo online.
Just gonna leave this one here. This was called in. An interesting call.
Alexander Zverev said on his Instagram story
Zverev also said he plans to speak to ATP supervisors about the issue. He believes the technology made a mistake. Automatic line-calling is now used on clay courts, but players and umpires must trust the system without checking the marks themselves.
In the past, umpires could step down to check ball marks on clay. Now, they have to stay in their chairs and follow the electronic call. Zverev was not happy and demanded that umpire Mohamed Lahyani come down, but the rules stopped him.
Alexander Zverev opens up on the on-court controversy
World No.2 Alexander Zverev was not afraid to call out the new electronic line-calling system at the Madrid Open. During his match against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, he argued several calls. Zverev later said he hoped he wouldn’t be fined, but made it clear he was not scared to speak his mind.
Honestly, I believe there was a failure in the system, I think there was an error in the system at that moment. I am a fan of the electronic system, but the ball was… It’s not just a little, a millimeter in or out, it was like four, five centimeters. Honestly, I believe there was a failure in the system at that moment. That’s why I addressed the chair umpire and said, ‘Please come down to see this, I’m not crazy (laughing), I can see what was happening’.
Alexander Zverev said in his post-match press conference
Despite the drama, Zverev stayed strong on court. He came back from a set and a break down to win 2-6, 7-6(3), 7-6(0). The match took place on Manolo Santana Stadium, where the top seed showed his fighting spirit.
It will be interesting to see what happens now, what kind of fine they will give me, even if I’m right. I hope they don’t fine me because obviously, in my opinion, I am completely right and should not be fined for this. This was not normal. Usually, the system is very reliable. Usually, the system has been correct so far in my experience, but what happened today, I don’t know.
Alexander Zverev added
Zverev won the second-set tiebreak easily and looked ready to finish the match when he served for it in the third set. But nerves got to him, and Davidovich Fokina broke back to force another tiebreak. In the final tiebreak, Zverev was calm and perfect. He won all seven points to seal the win and move into the fourth round. It was a gritty victory after a tense and emotional match.
Alexander Zverev survives at the Madrid Open
German tennis star Alexander Zverev fought hard to beat Alejandro Davidovich Fokina at the Madrid Open. He won 2-6, 7-6(3), 7-6(0) in a thrilling third-round match. Playing against a strong opponent and a loud Spanish crowd, Zverev came back from a set down to win after two hours and 44 minutes.
Davidovich Fokina has been having a good season, reaching finals in Delray Beach and Acapulco, and making the semi-finals in Monte-Carlo. He played with confidence against Zverev, leading for parts of the match. But he could not finish it off despite breaking back late in the final set.
In the tie-break, Davidovich Fokina made mistakes on his forehand. He missed his chance for a big win, and with his loss, there are no Spanish men left in the tournament this year.
Zverev, a two-time Madrid champion, is now on a seven-match winning streak. He recently won the title in Munich. Against Davidovich Fokina, he hit 11 aces and made 17 fewer unforced errors. He will now face either Francisco Cerundolo or Francisco Comesana in the next round.
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