Rafa Nadal called for tougher sanctions after the ATP exempted Alexander Zverev last Tuesday after assaulting a chair umpire in Acapulco. The German will be sanctioned with eight weeks and an economic fine if he reoffends again and for this reason the Spanish tennis player gave his opinion on the matter.
Zverev sanctioned
“As in all sports, we must be role models for the young people who watch us. So, on the one hand, I don’t wish Sasha a bigger punishment, but on the other hand, I would like to see more severe sanctions for this type of behavior, because they will protect the sport, the referees and all the people present at a match.
“You know you were wrong”
“I wish him well. He knows that he was wrong and he recognized it very soon. But on the other hand, if we are not able to control this type of attitude on the court, and other things have happened in recent months (…) and to create a rule or a way to penalize this type of attitude more harshly , then we players feel stronger and stronger, “he argued. “And in my opinion, in sport we have to be a positive example especially for children.”
forgotten injury
“After Roland Garros I couldn’t walk for two weeks. I wasn’t ready for Washington or Toronto but I wanted to try, with two terrible months of training. Winning the Australian Open was very important, but being competitive and enjoying the competition was what was really exciting for me, being able to play in a big stadium with fans again.”
good level of tennis
“My serve is working well, which is important at this point in my career. Afterwards, I think I have been brave to play with the right determination when it was necessary. I am working hard to improve, but I am happy with the level of tennis and intensity that I am showing on the court.
Options in Indian Wells
“I’ve been here for over a week. I always enjoy it. It is one of my favorite tournaments without a doubt. I go day by day, I enjoy the moment. It’s unexpected for me to be in this position, so I’m enjoying every day and enjoying that I’m playing well. I’ve already won three titles this year and it’s unbelievable for me.”