Alexander Zverev has shared a ball mark photo he personally took during his Madrid Masters third-round match, highlighting a controversial moment where he questioned the accuracy of the electronic line calling (ELC) system.
Late in the second set against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, the top seed became visibly frustrated, convinced that the system incorrectly called a shot from his opponent in. After unsuccessfully urging chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani to physically inspect the ball mark, Zverev pulled out his phone and snapped a picture of the evidence.
Despite the heated incident, Zverev kept his composure to stage a dramatic comeback, eventually winning 2-6, 7-6(3), 7-6(0). After the match, he took to Instagram to post the ball mark photo, writing:
“Just gonna leave this one here. This was called in. Interesting call.”
Heated Exchange with the Chair Umpire
During the confrontation, Zverev repeatedly asked Lahyani to review the mark, only to be told that under the rules, the umpire must trust the system:
“We are not allowed. Alexander, the system gave a decision. It’s the same for both of you. You have to accept it,” Lahyani explained.
Unconvinced, Zverev insisted:
“Then there’s a mistake in the system. This ball is clearly out. Look at it — it’s way out. If the system says otherwise, then it’s malfunctioning.”
After his appeals were denied, Zverev photographed the ball mark himself, an act that earned him a code violation.
Moving Forward
Though frustrated by the incident, Zverev ultimately secured the win and advanced to the Round of 16, where he will face the winner of the match between Francisco Cerundolo and Francisco Comesana.
