After Zverev freak out: Rafael Nadal too for tougher penalties
Grand Slam record champion Rafael Nadal (ATP No. 4) spoke out in favor of tougher penalties in tennis after Alexander Zverev freaked out.
by SID
last edit: Mar 11, 2022, 05:16 pm
"I wish him all the best and he knows that he behaved wrongly," said the Spaniard on the sidelines of the Masters in Indian Wells about the hamburger. However, he would like "other sanctions for such behavior", "not only for him, but in principle because it protects the sport and the referees".
Zverev had insulted the referee in Acapulco/Mexico and attacked his high chair with his bat. The world champion and Olympic champion was then sentenced by the ATP to a $25,000 (23,020 euro) fine and an eight-week ban - both of which only apply if Zverev (24) fails again within a year.
Nadal: "Be a positive example for the children"
Serena Williams, Mats Wilander and Chris Evert, all tennis greats, had called for tougher sanctions before Nadal. Before the start of the tournament in California, the 35-year-old emphasized that he had "a good relationship" with Zverev. "I like him and I train with him a lot," said Nadal: "He knows he was wrong and he realized that very early on. I think that's the positive for him."
Tennis professionals must be "a positive example," said Nadal, "especially for the kids watching us."
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