In a shocking turn of events during the US Open tennis match on Tuesday, a fan was ejected after uttering a phrase associated with Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime. German player Alexander Zverev, seeded at No. 12, brought the incident to the attention of chair umpire James Keothavong while facing off against No. 6 Jannik Sinner. Zverev expressed his dismay and called for action against the fan, who was seated in a section behind the umpire.
An Unacceptable Act
Zverev approached Chair Umpire Keothavong during a break in play and reported that the fan had used language connected to Hitler’s regime. Keothavong promptly turned to address the fan, requesting identification and urging spectators to show respect towards both players. Shortly after, fellow attendees identified the offending fan, leading to their expulsion from the stadium by security personnel.
The USTA’s Response
Following the incident, Chris Widmaier, spokesman for the United States Tennis Association, confirmed that a derogatory remark had been directed at Zverev. The USTA took immediate action to identify and remove the offending fan, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all players and attendees.
Zverev’s Discomfort
Alexander Zverev admitted that while he has experienced derogatory comments from fans previously, this was the first time he encountered such language associated with Hitler. He revealed that the fan had chanted “Deutschland über alles,” the national anthem associated with Hitler’s era. Zverev expressed his tolerance for passionate and vocal fans but emphasized his personal discomfort due to his German heritage and the nation’s history. He felt compelled to address the incident because of the fan’s proximity to the court and the potential impact on others who may have overheard the remark.
Despite the disruptive episode, Zverev managed to regain his focus after losing the set, securing a hard-fought victory over Sinner in a match that lasted an astounding 4 hours and 41 minutes. Despite struggling with the humid conditions, Zverev showed immense resilience and determination, ultimately triumphing in the fifth set. His triumph secured him a spot in the quarterfinals, where he will face defending US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz.
Reflecting on the incident, Zverev brushed off the fan’s remark, considering it to be the fan’s loss for missing the thrilling conclusion of the match. Zverev demonstrated his unyielding focus, refusing to let the controversy hinder his performance on the court.
The shocking Nazi remark made by a fan at the US Open has sparked controversy and heightened awareness of the need for respect and sportsmanship in professional tennis. As the tournament proceeds, it is crucial for authorities and fans alike to uphold values of inclusivity and to ensure that incidents like this do not tarnish the reputation of the sport.
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