Controversial Incident at the Madrid Open
Top seed Alexander Zverev faced controversy during his second-round match at the Madrid Open 2025. The world number two player overcame Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in a thrilling three-set battle, winning 2-6, 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-0) to advance to the last 16. However, the victory was marred by a dispute over a ball mark during the second set.
Zverev was convinced that a backhand from Davidovich Fokina in the 10th game of the second set had landed wide, but the electronic line-calling system ruled the shot in. Frustrated with the decision, Zverev complained to the umpire, Mohamed Lahyani, suggesting a “malfunction in the system.” When his appeal was rejected, Zverev took matters into his own hands by pulling out his phone to photograph the disputed ball mark.
Warning for Unsportsmanlike Conduct
The controversial move led to Zverev being issued a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct. Despite the distraction, the 28-year-old German kept his composure and went on to win the second and third sets in tie-breaks, securing his place in the next round of the tournament.
Line Calling Controversies in Tennis
The incident was the latest in a series of electronic line-calling controversies on clay courts. While other surfaces have embraced technology, clay tournaments had previously relied on line judges or the umpire inspecting the mark manually when contested. This season, however, line judges were removed from all events on the ATP Tour and many WTA Tour events, including the Madrid Open. Despite this, the French Open, starting next month, will continue to use line judges.
This is not the first time a player has faced controversy over disputed calls involving technology. Earlier in the year, Aryna Sabalenka received a warning for taking a photo of a line call during a match in Stuttgart. Former Grand Slam winner Victoria Azarenka also posted a picture of a disputed call on social media during a Madrid Open match.
Other Results from Madrid Open
Elsewhere in the Spanish capital, defending champion Andrey Rublev suffered a 6-4, 0-6, 6-4 loss to Alexander Bublik, causing Rublev to drop out of the world’s top 15. In the women’s draw, top seed Sabalenka made a comeback after losing the opening set to defeat Elise Mertens 3-6, 6-2, 6-1. However, third seed Jessica Pegula was upset 6-3, 6-2 by Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima, and sixth seed Jasmine Paolini also fell to Maria Sakkari 6-2, 6-1.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Zverev’s photo and the use of electronic line-calling systems highlights the ongoing debates in tennis about technology’s role in the game. As players and officials adjust to these changes, it will be interesting to see how future tournaments, including the French Open, navigate these technological challenges.
