- Fan Ejected for Allegedly Singing Hitler’s Anthem
- Zverev Stops Match to Report Offensive Remark
- Zverev Advances to Quarterfinals After Incident
Zverev abruptly suspended his match against Italian Jannik Sinner and informed the umpire that a spectator had just uttered the most infamous Hitler quote.
A tennis fan was ejected from a US Open match for purportedly “singing the anthem of Hitler” during a match featuring the German player Alexander Zverev.
Zverev abruptly halted his match against Italian Jannik Sinner in the fourth set and approached a chair umpire while gesturing toward a spectator.
Zverev informed umpire James Keothavong, “He just uttered the most famous Hitler quote in the world.” It is unacceptable.
Mr. Keothavong immediately turned around and demanded that the fellow identify himself, but he refused. Then, he urged the crowd in New York to be impartial and respectful to both athletes.
The supporter was identified and removed by spectators and security before the number 12 seed won a game.
“He started singing Hitler’s anthem from back in the day. It was an excessive amount of ‘Deutschland über alles,’ Zverev said after the match.
The 26-year-old stated that he had previously been the target of derogatory remarks, but never about Hitler.
Zverev stated, “I believe he was engaged in the match for quite some time. I don’t mind; in fact, I enjoy it when admirers are loud and emotional.
“However, as a German who isn’t particularly proud of his country’s past, I believe it’s not the best thing to do, and with him seated in one of the front rows, I believe many people heard it. Therefore, if I don’t react, I believe it’s my fault.”
US Tennis Association spokesman Chris Widmaier stated that a spectator made a derogatory remark about Alexander Zverev and was subsequently escorted out of the stadium.
Zverev advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Sinner in a match that lasted four hours and 41 minutes.
On Wednesday, Zverev will face defending US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz.
