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Alexander Zverev given suspended eight-week ban for striking umpire's chair

By Vincent Ashitey
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World number three Alexander Zverev faces an eight-week ban from tennis if he repeats the behaviour which led to his expulsion from the Mexican Open.

In February, the Olympic champion was fined $40,000 (£31,000) and forfeited all his prize money for striking the umpire's chair in Acapulco.

Zverev has now been found guilty of a 'major offence' after an ATP review.

The German 24-year-old will be banned if he commits another similar offence within 12 months of the incident.

READ ALSO: Alexander Zverev beats Frances Tiafoe to win Vienna Open title

Similar offences include unsportsmanlike behaviour and verbal or physical abuse of anyone at a tournament.

As well as the eight-week ban, Zverev has been handed a further suspended $25,000 (£19,000) fine.

The biggest penalty in men's tennis to date was a 16-week suspended ban given to Australian Nick Kyrgios in 2019 for verbally abusing a chair umpire and smashing two racquets.

Zverev has until 11 March to appeal against the decision.

BBC