‘We as Players Will Feel Stronger and Stronger’ – Rafael Nadal Feels That ATP’s Soft Decision Against Alexander Zverev’s Acapulco Controversy Will Result in More Code Violations by Players in Future

It has been the year of Rafael Nadal so far in men’s tennis. The Spaniard is back to his best after an injury-laden 2021. He missed the latter half of the previous season, including Wimbledon, Tokyo Olympics, US Open, and other tournaments as well. However, the 35-year-old has made a blistering start to this season, winning a hattrick of titles, including the Australian Open.

Moreover, he entered the history books, becoming the first man to win 21 Grand Slam singles titles. In the process, he overtook Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, who are tied at 20 Majors each.

Nadal is in Indian Wells to participate at the BNP Paribas Open, the first ATP Masters 1000 tournament of the season. He opened up on the actions taken against Alexander Zverev for his Acapulco outburst.

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Rafael Nadal gives his take on ATP’s actions against Alexander Zverev

The German, World Number 3 smashed his racket at the chair of the umpire in frustration after losing the first-round doubles encounter in Acapulco. Moreover, he came agonizingly close to injuring the umpire with his actions. Apparently, he was unhappy with some of the calls made by the official.

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During a pre-tournament press conference in Indian Wells, Nadal talked about the German and the action taken against him for the code violation. He said, “I like him (…) I wish him all the very best (…) he knows that he was wrong and he recognized (…) that’s a positive thing.” On the ATP letting off Zverev for his outburst, he went on to say, “If we are not able to penalize these attitudes in a little stronger way, then we as players will feel stronger and stronger.”

Recently, the ATP announced a fine of USD 25,000 and a suspension for a period of eight weeks from any ATP-sanctioned tournaments. However, these will only be applicable if he incurs any further code violations within this one year. This means that Zverev will continue to compete on the tour.

Further, Nadal will look to win his fourth Indian Wells title as he aims to continue his winning momentum. He is the fourth seed at the tournament. The Spaniard will take on the winner of Thanasi Kokkinakis vs Sebastian Korda’s match in the second round. Meanwhile, Zverev will face the winner of Mikhail Kukushkin vs Tommy Paul’s match in the second round.