Mats Wilander is adamant that Alexander Zverev ought to “be taken off the Tour” for some time following his expulsion from the Mexican Open, saying gamers are setting a nasty instance for youngsters with their poor behaviour.
Zverev was kicked of the ATP 500 occasion in Acapulco in February after he verbally abused the chair umpire and likewise hit the official’s chair a number of instances along with his racket.
The German was additionally fined and misplaced his rating factors, however the ATP opted towards any additional punishment as they as a substitute solely gave him a further suspended high-quality and ban.
Nick Kyrgios, in the meantime, additionally copped a number of fines on the Indian Wells Open and Miami Open after smashing his racket and at one level he got here near hitting a ball particular person along with his racket.
On the again of those incidents, the ATP confirmed that officers will take a stricter stance in judging violations whereas repeat offenders might face stiffer penalties.
Nevertheless, former world No 1 and revered analyst Wilander feels they need to go additional as it’s damaging for the game.
“In tennis you learn to behave correctly, you learn to name issues out which can be shut and name them in, you make your individual calls, you name the rating out,” the seven-time Grand Slam winner is quoted as saying by Eurosport.
“It’s only a sport the place you be taught rather a lot about life and educate and guidelines and these guys are taking it to a whole totally different degree.
“And I do know from Lleyton Hewitt telling me that each child in Australia principally, is doing what Nick Kyrgios does. I’m not saying they’re throwing rackets and no matter, however they hit the ball like Nick Kyrgios and that’s sort of dangerous sufficient in a method as a result of Nick is so proficient, however he doesn’t use his toes in any respect in any of his pictures. He simply slaps it along with his arm. They usually look as much as these guys. So I believe it’s atrocious.
“I really suppose it’s horrible. I believe breaking a racket on a tennis courtroom is the bottom for me as a result of most youngsters, they can’t afford to purchase tennis rackets.
“I believe it’s fallacious. I believe it’s utterly fallacious. That’s why I requested: I believe Zverev must be not on probation, he must be taken off the Tour for a month, two months, possibly it’s the primary Grand Slam, possibly it’s the primary ATP Masters 1000 however one thing that hurts him somewhat than simply be capable of not do the identical factor once more after which I’m high-quality. It doesn’t make sense. Life doesn’t work like that.”