“Everyone saw my code”: Alexander Zverev raises privacy concerns over on-court cameras ahead of Munich
ATPTuesday, 14 April 2026 at 17:30
Alexander Zverev has raised concerns about player privacy on the professional tennis circuit, revealing that he was forced to change his mobile phone code after it was shown during a broadcast. Speaking ahead of the ATP 500 BMW Munich Open, the world No. 3 described the incident as an example of television coverage exceeding reasonable limits.
The German accepted that constant filming is part of modern tennis but argued that boundaries are required. His comments come amid increased scrutiny over how closely players are monitored, both during matches and in adjacent areas, where cameras often capture moments unrelated to competition.
The debate has intensified in recent months following similar complaints from Coco Gauff, who criticised the lack of privacy during the Australian Open after backstage footage of her breaking a racquet circulated publicly. Together, both cases point to a broader concern among players regarding the limits of broadcast access.
They also come at a moment where Zverev’s form has been consistent but short of a breakthrough. During the Sunshine Double, he reached the latter stages in both Indian Wells and Miami, but fell short against top opposition. That pattern continued at the Monte-Carlo Masters, where he was beaten in the semi-finals by Jannik Sinner (6-1, 6-4), extending a run of defeats primarily against Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
“Everyone saw the code”: Zverev details phone incident
Zverev explained that the situation escalated when he was informed that a broadcast had captured him unlocking his phone, exposing sensitive information. The incident forced him to act immediately. “I received a message saying that it had been broadcast that I was unlocking my phone. So everyone saw the code.”
He described the episode as avoidable and criticised the lack of discretion in certain camera angles. While acknowledging that cameras are “everywhere,” he maintained that not all moments should be accessible, particularly those unrelated to play. “We all know there are cameras everywhere and that is acceptable," the world No. 3 said, according to Marca. "But there should be places where you have privacy.”
Zverev added that the exposure of his phone code was “unnecessary,” pointing to a broader issue around how coverage is managed and what is deemed acceptable during tournaments.
Zverev also referenced the same incident involving Coco Gauff, reinforcing his position that players are being recorded in situations they perceive as private. “It was a big issue when Gauff broke her racquet and thought nobody was watching. We all know there are cameras everywhere and that is acceptable, but there should be places where you have privacy. The fact that my phone code was visible is unnecessary.”
Munich title defence and recent pattern
Beyond the privacy issue, Zverev offered a direct assessment of his level relative to the top of the tour. His recent results underline a consistent presence in the latter stages, but also a clear barrier. “In recent months, I have lost almost exclusively to him and Carlos Alcaraz. That means I am going deep in tournaments and performing better than last year.”
Zverev arrives in Munich as defending champion, having lifted the title in 2025, and is again among the favourites on home soil. In the Sunshine Double, he reached the quarter-finals in the Indian Wells Masters and the semi-finals in the Miami Open, falling short against top-tier opposition in both events. That pattern continued on clay at the Monte-Carlo Masters, where he advanced to the semi-finals before losing to Jannik Sinner (6-1, 6-4).
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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