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Alexander Zverev Given Code Violation After Controversial Ball Mark Photo At Madrid Open 2r573r
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World No. 2 Alexander Zverev was given a code violation at the Madrid Open on Sunday after taking a photo of a ball mark that was controversially called in during his third round match.
Electronic Line-Calling Controversy Mares Madrid Open 315h3x
There was more electronic line-calling controversy at the Madrid Open on Sunday, as Alexander Zverev received a code violation for taking a photo of a ball mark after it had controversially been called in by the system.
Despite the uproar, Zverev still came out on top in his third round tie, overcoming Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 2-6 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-0) to book his spot in Tuesday’s round of 16.
The call came in the 10th game of the second set, with Zverev convinced that the ball had gone wide, and his behaviour following the incident was met with jeers and whistles by the crowd in the Spanish capital.
Zverev was heard telling the umpire Mohamed Lahyani: “The machine is not working, look at this mark. Please just come down, look at it. Don’t overrule it, please just come down. Please, just for me.”
Lahyani explained that the electronic line-calling system had finalised the decision and that he cannot leave his chair to inspect the call.
The German responded, claiming that there is a mistake in the system, and after failing to convince the official, he pulled his phone out of his bag to take a photo of the ball mark.
Women’s world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka also took a photo of a disputed ball mark after the electronic system made another controversial call at the Stuttgart Open earlier this month, and she too was given a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct.
WATCH: Zverev Penalised For Ball Mark Photo At Madrid Open 3c2h56
Clay court tennis always delivers 📸😳#MMOpen pic.twitter.com/OqV8SAteyr
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 27, 2025
Zverev posted the photo on his Instagram , accompanied by the caption: “Just gonna leave this one here. This was called in. Interesting call.”
Speaking to the media after his match, having set up a last 16 tie against Francisco Cerundolo, he said: “I honestly think there was a defect in the system. There was a mistake in the system in that moment.
“It’s not like one millimetre in, one millimetre out, it was like four-five centimetres. That’s why I went to the umpire and said ‘Please, come down to have a look at this, I’m not crazy’.”
He continued: “It’s going to be interesting to see what happens now, what kind of fine I’ll get, even though I’m right.
“I hope I don’t get a fine, because obviously, in my opinion, I’m completely in the right and I should not get fined for this.”
Thus far, Zverev has earned €90,445 and 120 ATP points for his performances at the tournament. Check out our full Madrid Open 2025 prize money breakdown to find out how much players can earn round by round at Caja Mágica.