"Something is way off... Insanity": Boris Becker and Martina Navratilova among top names puzzled by Alexander Zverev Madrid controversy
ATP
Another day, another line call issue hitting the headlines and another use of mobile phones on the court as Alexander Zverev shared a photo of a ball mark at the Madrid Open to prove the electronic line calling was incorrect.
Zverev won through against Davidovich Fokina but the same thing happened with Aryna Sabalenka and it was more the principle on her end. He had a slow start against the Spaniard losing the set 6-2 but he picked up pace.
Albeit Davidovich Fokina was awarded a point in the next set for a sliced backhand. The German protested and expressed doubts over the ELC (Electronic Line Calling) system and got into an argument with Mohamed Lahyani suggesting he take a look.
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After a back and forth, Zverev got his phone out Sabalenka style and took a photo before posting it on social media. But as well as normal fans, some prominent tennis figures backed Zverev including Boris Becker.
He sided with his compatriot writing "Clearly OUT" while Martina Navratilova joined the debate too: "It’s definitely out no matter which angle you look from. And there is no other mark- this particular setup needs to be improved… something is way off," she penned.
While fellow pro Donna Vekic also took sides with Zverev: "So crazy that umpires are not able to overrule this ! Insanity," she wrote.
He won through 2-6, 7-6(3), 7-6(0) but had to be warned for unsportsmanlike conduct for taking said photo so it definitely did warrant debate and is another issue to add to the malaise that is line calling.
Victoria Azarenka was another who called it out during her loss to Olga Danilovic and while it is have your cake and eat it with players calling for less umpire interference, it seems it is very much still a bone of conjecture and perhaps even more so.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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