via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 8, 2021 Germany’s Alexander Zverev reacts during his first round match against Marcos Giron of the U.S. REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 8, 2021 Germany’s Alexander Zverev reacts during his first round match against Marcos Giron of the U.S. REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
In one of the most eye-catching clashes to kick off the second week of US Open 2021, Germany’s Alexander Zverev took on the youngster Jannik Sinner. It was a battle of the powerful young-stars on Arthur Ashe stadium. With both players fighting to secure a spot in the last-eight, there were bound to be some fireworks. And there surely were, along with some fiery incidents.
USA Today via Reuters
Aug 21, 2021; Mason, OH, USA; Alexander Zverev (GER) waits for Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE not pictured) to come back to the court after the first set of their semifinal match against during the Western and Southern Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
As the match kicked off, both players traded blow for blow. Within no time, the duo boosted themselves into fifth gear. After some pounding ground stroke exchanges and booming serves, it was the Olympic champion Zverev who came clutch when it mattered most. As he claimed the crucial break of serve, he took the first set 6-4. As the packed crowd overlooked, however, a peculiar incident put technology into question.
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Alexander Zverev questions hawk-eye in Round-4 match
via Reuters
Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – June 11, 2021 Germany’s Alexander Zverev reacts during his semi final match against Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier
With a spot in the quarterfinals on the line, neither player was ready to give in. Over the years, Zverev has come under the radar numerous times for arguing against the on-court calls. Whether manual or electronic, the German has disagreed with decisions on multiple occasions. The US Open fourth round encounter was no different, as the 4th seed was furious and debated against an electronic call.
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READ MORE: Alexander Zverev Suffers Major Setback Ahead of US Open 2021 Round-4 Match Against Jannik Sinner
Engaging in a good rally, Zverev had the opportunity to close it with an easy volley. However, he narrowly missed it, at least according to hawk-eye. With only electronic hawk-eye functioning this season, the idea of challenges goes out of the window. Yet, the German believed that he in fact made the volley, and argued with the chair umpire regarding the decision of Hawk-eye Live. “I’m not crazy, the mark is in,” quoted an irritated Zverev.
Zverev misses an easy volley. Believes Hawkeye Live got it wrong, appeals to chair umpire Campistol, points to the mark.
Zverev: ’I’m not crazy, that mark is in.’
Campistol: ’No, it’s not.’— Oleg S. (@AnnaK_4ever) September 6, 2021
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Although the German was shown no respite, the high quality match continued. Will Zverev seal his spot in another Grand Slam quarterfinal? Or does Sinner have other ideas?
