'Stupid': Alexander Zverev savaged for 'ridiculous' French Open act
US Open runner up Alexander Zverev caught the ire of the commentators and was savaged for a ‘ridiculous’ shot in a five-set thriller in the Second Round of the French Open.
The World No.7 came into the French Open in stunning form, but was pushed 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(5), 4-6, 6-4 against Pierre-Hugues Herbert in a controversial encounter.
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But in a tight first set, Zverev was down a break, 2-4, and came under fire for his attempting a tweener when it appeared it wasn’t necessary.
Hubert brought Zverev to the net, but the Frenchman’s lob shot wasn’t very deep.
The German chased back and made it with plenty of time, but instead of opting for a forehand he blasted a a shot between his legs that hit halfway down the net.
Eurosport commentators Jo Durie and Chris Bradnam were less than impressed with 23-year-old German’s shot selection when a break down.
It wasn't all plain sailing for @AlexZverev 😂
But he's through to the third round at #RolandGarros.— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) September 30, 2020
"Oh, that's ridiculous!” Bradnam said.
“I mean, that really is ridiculous.”
Durie, a former French Open semi-finalist in 1983, agreed with the decision.
“You know what, I think that is just stupid. Why would you do that?”
"You are 4-2 [down], you have just won your serve ... look, you could smack a forehand winner off that."
Zverev cops code violation for net intrusion
Zverev also found himself with a code violation after jumping the net to protest a ball that was called out.
After a serve, the chair umpire was on the court checking a mark in the clay when Zverev decided to step over the net.
The chair umpire could be seen rushing at Zverev to stop him entering his opponent’s side of the court.
But after sharing a laugh, and Hubert telling the umpire it was ok, Zverev came over to discuss the call.
However, it was reported that the tiny crowd in attendance weren’t happy with Zverev flouting the rules and booed the World No.7.
I don't know what was more funny:
Alison's "No no no no!" trying to prevent Zverev from crossing the net because it's a code violation — or Sascha almost tripping over the net on his way back 😂
(🎥@Eurosport_RU/ #RG20) pic.twitter.com/NWX2j0MylW— Oleg S. (@AnnaK_4ever) September 30, 2020
Zverev just crossed the net early in the 5th to check a ball mark on a serve. That's a no no with a lot of history at Roland Garros. Code violation?
— Christopher Clarey (@christophclarey) September 30, 2020
You said there would be no crowd noise? Well, did you hear the boos when Zverev crossed the net onto Herbert's side?
— Del🇪🇺 (@Stroppa_Del) September 30, 2020
Zverev managing to get this tiny crowd to boo is quite the achievement. Allez les Français
— Naw Tea (@NawTea2) September 30, 2020
Zverev lost the point in the 5th set, but managed to hold in a drama filled match and advance to the Third Round of the French Open.
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