Alexander Zverev overcame a major scare to defeat Alejandro Davidovich Fokina at the Madrid Masters, prevailing 2-6, 7-6, 7-6 after an intense battle lasting nearly two hours and 50 minutes. Despite a slow start, Zverev seized the crucial points in the second and third sets to secure the victory.
However, the match was overshadowed by a heated incident in the tenth game of the second set. Zverev found himself at the heart of controversy when the electronic line-calling system failed to detect a ball from Davidovich Fokina that appeared clearly out. Frustrated, Zverev pulled out his phone, snapped a photo of the ball mark, and argued with chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani.
For using his phone during the match, Zverev was issued a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct, though he maintains he did nothing wrong and hopes to avoid a fine.
Following the match, Zverev detailed his frustration, stating the ball landed four or five centimeters out, despite the electronic system ruling it in. A replay review showed the ball barely clipping the line, leaving Lahyani with no authority to intervene under the tournament rules.
Remaining calm, Lahyani urged Zverev to put away his phone but was obligated to penalize him. Zverev made it clear he held no grudge against the umpire, instead blaming the technology.
Zverev later posted the disputed ball mark on social media, emphasizing his point:
“I believe there was a failure in the electronic line system at that moment. It was not even close — the ball was four or five centimeters wide. It will be interesting to see what kind of fine they issue, even though I was right.”
He continued:
“I hope they don’t fine me, because this was clearly a mistake. Normally, the system is very reliable, but this was not normal. It’s not the chair umpire’s fault — if he’s not allowed to check, there’s nothing he can do. I’ll be speaking to the supervisors because an error this big shouldn’t happen.”
Despite the controversy, Zverev maintained his focus and advanced to the round of 16, where he will face Francisco Cerundolo.
