Former World No. 21 blasts ‘crazy’ officiating system for not overturning Alexander Zverev decision at the Madrid Open
Two-time champion Alexander Zverev will face Francisco Cerundolo in the round of 16 of the Madrid Open after surviving a scare from Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
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Alexander Zverev, Donna Vekic (images via Instagram)
During his third-round match with Alejandro Davidovich Fokina at the Madrid Open, Alexander Zverev disagreed with an automatic line call. In the 10th game of the second set, the World No. 2 was left bemused after a backhand from Davidovich Fokina was called in by the electronic line-calling system. Zverev asked chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani to check the mark, but the rules did not allow it.
Zverev then walked to his bag, took out his phone, and clicked a picture of the mark. This delayed Davidovich Fokina’s serve, and Zverev received a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct. After a hard-fought victory over the Spaniard, Zverev posted the photo on his Instagram Story with the caption, “Just going to leave this one here. This was called in. Interesting call.”
The ball mark in the photo uploaded by Zverev clearly appeared to be three or four centimeters wide of the white line. Croatian tennis player Donna Vekic also reacted to Zverev’s photo, tweeting, “So crazy that umpires are not able to overrule this ! Insanity”. Vekic is set to play Madison Keys in the Round of 16 of the Madrid Open. Earlier this month, at the Stuttgart Open, Aryna Sabalenka had also taken a picture of a ball mark and uploaded it on her Instagram story after a disputed line call during her quarterfinal match.
So crazy that umpires are not able to overrule this ! Insanity https://t.co/5fnPu1vBgx
— Donna Vekic (@DonnaVekic) April 27, 2025
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. This season, the ATP has removed line judges from all tournaments, while the WTA has also removed them from many of its tournaments. The one exception is next month’s Roland Garros, which will continue using line judges for now.
Alexander Zverev will next face Francisco Cerundolo in the round of 16 of the Madrid Open
Two-time champion Alexander Zverev survived a major scare from Alejandro Davidovich Fokina at the Madrid Open. Facing home favorite Davidovich Fokina, Zverev overcame moments of difficulty to keep his title hopes alive.
After dropping the first set, the German rallied from a break down in the second set, crucially winning the tiebreak before he recovered from failing to serve out at 5-4 to eventually seal the victory 2-6, 7-6(3), 7-6(0). Zverev will next face Francisco Cerundolo in the round of 16 of the Madrid Open.
Toni Kroos cheers for Alexander Zverev at the Madrid Open
Retired German football star Toni Kroos turned up on Sunday to enjoy the match between his friend Alexander Zverev and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the Manolo Santana Stadium. Zverev is vying to clinch his third trophy after triumphs there in 2018 and 2021. One of the best-known players in the Spanish capital, Kroos was welcomed with great affection by fans at the Madrid Open.
Kroos followed Zverev’s match from the player’s box and cheered on his compatriot from start to finish during the nearly three-hour-long match. One of the most special moments of his visit came at the end of the match as Kroos greeted Zverev in the tunnel to the locker rooms. He congratulated Zverev on the win before they exchanged gifts. Zverev thanked him for coming by signing a couple of his rackets which he then giften to Kroos. Kroos gifted his friend a Real Madrid shirt on which he had written: “To my friend Sasha. Best of luck. Your fan, Toni”.
Kroos had represented Real Madrid for 10 successful seasons. The German midfielder made decisive contributions to some of the club’s biggest achievements, including five UEFA Champions Leagues and four La Liga trophies. He was also a key member of Germany’s FIFA World Cup winning team in 2014.
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