Top tennis journalist demands strict action against Alexander Zverev after German walks off stadium after Mexico Open exit

Alexander Zverev's quest for his first title of the 2025 season ended when he lost to 19-year-old Learner Tien at the Mexico Open.

Top tennis journalist demands strict action against Alexander Zverev after German walks off stadium after Mexico Open exit

Alexander Zverev (Image via X)

Alexander Zverev‘s campaign on the Golden Swing didn’t end on the right note. After his quarterfinal defeat to Francisco Cerundolo in Buenos Aires, he fell to Francisco Comesana in the quarterfinal of the Rio Open.

He then arrived in Acapulco for the Mexico Open but teenager Learner Tien stunned him in the round of 16 with a 6-3, 6-4 scoreline. Following the shock defeat, the top seed stormed off the stadium without showing up for the press conference. Tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg demanded that Zverev should be fined for his conduct.

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Zverev should be getting a fine also today to add to his woes. He was announced pre-match for a win-or-lose press conference but instead walked straight out of the ATP 500 Acapulco stadium and into a car to ride away into the night, while Tien was still on court.

Ben Rothenberg wrote on X

Check out his post here:

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It was Zverev’s fourth exit in 2025 tournaments. The German started his season at the Australian Open but failed to clinch his career’s first Grand Slam title due to defeat to World No.1 Jannik Sinner in straight sets in the final.

Learner Tien earns career-best win after upsetting Alexander Zverev

Learner Tien has progressed to his second tour-level quarterfinals with his victory over Alexander Zverev. Apart from earning the best win of his career, Tien also became the youngest American man to clinch a win against a top-three opponent since Andy Roddick (2001).

Learner Tien
Learner Tien (Image via X)

Tien, who was the runner-up in last year’s Next-Gen ATP Finals and shocked Daniil Medvedev in the second round of the Australian Open, is No.68 in the live rankings. Following his win, he explained what he did to stun the three-time Grand Slam finalist.

I just went out there and tried to control my side of the court. Obviously, I knew it was going to be a tough match. To come through feels great… I think just focusing on what I can control and keeping my cool as best as I can has really taken me a long way.

Learner Tien said during his on-court interview

Tien will next face eighth seed Tomas Machac in the quarterfinal. The Czech ace, before setting up the clash with the 19-year-old, beat Germany’s Daniel Altmaier. Zverev, who last year won just two trophies, is yet to win a title since the Paris Masters and will be bidding for the Indian Wells next.