Scandal at ATP final in Hamburg: uncharacteristic play makes Zverev angry at opponent, and referee has to separate them
In a match full of tension and drama, the young French tennis player Arthur Phils20 years old, managed to win the tournament Hamburgwinning the most important title of his career and the second in his history. Fils beat the German Alexander Zverev the first favorite and the reigning champion in a fight that grew in intensity significantly as it went on.
Alexander Zverev, 27, was looking forward to winning his second title in a row on home soil. However, the final was a show full of contradictions and emotionsDuring the match, both tennis players got into a fight, which resulted in the referee’s intervention was required be under control.
Phils started the match with the first set, but Zverev counterattacked, leveling the score and taking the match to a decisive third set. With the score at 5-5 in the final set, Phils made underarm servean unusual tactic that angered Zverev and caused booing from the local crowd. Even though the serve was incorrect, Phil’s gesture increased the tension on the court.
The situation worsened when Zverev Accuses Phils of Disrespecting Him during the change of sides. The Frenchman, instead of going to the bench, approached Zverev, and there was an exchange of words that forced the referee: Timo Janzento intervene. Janzen had to get off his chair to separate the two players and force Phils back to his position.
The booing from the crowd continued, and Fils, demonstrating a defiant pose, pointed his finger to his ear and shrugged his shoulders, which further exacerbated the position of Zverev’s supporters. Despite the hostile atmosphere, Fils remained focused and eventually won the tie-break with a score of 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7-1)thus securing his first ATP 500 title.
The quarrel did not end the game. After the final point Fils and Zverev barely exchanged glances as they shook hands at the net. Zverev was clearly upset, muttering angrily and arguing with the referee. Although he followed the protocol of congratulating his opponent, he did so sluggishly and without looking him in the eye.
Fils expressed his feelings after the meeting, acknowledging the difficulty of the moment: “I think I did everything I could to win this match. I had cramps on the 5-5 thirds. I have cramps, I tried to serve under my arm because I couldn’t serve.”
The match, which had been tense from start to finish, seemed to take a new turn when a good Zverev, still upset, took part in the awards ceremony, throwing some champagne at him to calm things down. Zverev splashed Phils as they both smiled.and finally they joked and hugged, a gesture that was applauded by the audience present.
Phil’s victory at the Hamburg tournament not only marked a milestone in his career, but also demonstrated his ability to handle tense situations and hostile crowds. The Frenchman overcame his opponent’s game and a tense atmosphere on the court, displaying a defiant attitude that earned him both criticism and praise. For his part, Zverev, despite the loss, demonstrated his competitiveness and passion for the sport, although He couldn’t hide his disappointment. Considering the circumstances of the meeting.