U.S. Open Ejects Fan From Alexander Zverev Match Over ‘Hitler Phrase’

U.S. Open Ejects Fan From Alexander Zverev Match Over ‘Hitler Phrase’

The U.S. Open ejected a fan from Alexander Zverev's match on Monday after the fan allegedly used a phrase associated with Adolf Hitler.

The incident occurred during the second set of Zverev's match against Brandon Nakashima. Zverev was serving at 30-all in the seventh game when he heard the fan shout a phrase in German that is often used to refer to Hitler.

Zverev immediately stopped playing and called over the umpire. The umpire spoke to the fan and then ejected him from the stadium.

The U.S. Open released a statement later on Monday confirming that the fan had been ejected for using "abusive and threatening language."

A fan was ejected from Arthur Ashe Stadium early Tuesday morning after Alexander Zverev, the No. 12 seed from Germany, complained the man had used “the most famous Hitler phrase there is” during his fourth round match.

Zverev, who beat sixth seed Jannik Sinner 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 in a match lasting nearly five hours, was serving in the fourth set when he stopped to tell chair umpire James Keothavong about the spectator.

"The U.S. Open does not tolerate discrimination of any kind," the statement said. "We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all fans."

Zverev, who is German, said he was "disgusted" by the fan's actions.

"I don't know what to say," Zverev said. "It's disgusting to hear something like that. I'm just happy that the umpire took action and that the guy was thrown out."

The incident is the latest in a series of incidents involving racist and anti-Semitic abuse at tennis tournaments. In 2021, a spectator was ejected from the French Open after shouting racist abuse at Serena Williams. And in 2020, a spectator was banned from Wimbledon for life after shouting anti-Semitic abuse at Novak Djokovic.

The incidents have raised concerns about the level of racism and anti-Semitism in tennis. In response, the sport's governing bodies have vowed to crack down on abuse.

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) said it "condemns all forms of discrimination and abuse" and that it is "committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all players, officials and fans."

The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) have also said they will not tolerate abuse of any kind.

The incidents have also led to calls for more education and awareness about racism and anti-Semitism in tennis. Some have suggested that players should be required to take anti-discrimination training.

Others have called for more visible displays of support for diversity and inclusion at tennis tournaments. For example, some have suggested that players should wear rainbow-colored wristbands or other accessories to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community.

The issue of racism and anti-Semitism in tennis is a complex one. There is no easy solution, but it is clear that more needs to be done to address the problem. The sport's governing bodies, players, and fans all have a role to play in creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.

In addition to the actions taken by the U.S. Open, the ATP and WTA have also taken steps to address the issue of racism and anti-Semitism in tennis.

The ATP has created a new code of conduct that prohibits players from making discriminatory or offensive statements. The WTA has also implemented a new policy that requires players to undergo anti-discrimination training.

These are positive steps, but more needs to be done. Tennis needs to do a better job of educating its players, officials, and fans about racism and anti-Semitism. The sport also needs to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.

By taking these steps, tennis can help to create a sport that is free from discrimination and abuse.