The clay courts of the Mutua Madrid Open have long been a stage for Alexander Zverev’s brilliance, but on April 27, 2025, they became the backdrop for a heated confrontation that underscored both his competitive fire and his frustration with modern tennis technology. In a gripping third-round match against Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, the world No. 2 battled back from a set down to secure a 2-6, 7-6(3), 7-6(0) victory, advancing to the fourth round. However, the match was overshadowed by a dramatic on-court dispute over electronic line calling (ELC), prompting Zverev to make bold claims about the system’s reliability and his own form.
Zverev, a two-time Madrid champion, arrived in the Spanish capital riding a wave of confidence after clinching the Munich Open title on his 28th birthday. His 6-2, 6-2 dismantling of Roberto Bautista Agut in the second round had set the tone for a dominant campaign. Against Davidovich Fokina, however, the top seed faced a stern test. The Spaniard surged through the first set and broke early in the second, capitalizing on the home crowd’s energy. Zverev’s resilience shone through as he clawed back, but tensions boiled over late in the second set during a critical moment at 5-4, with Davidovich Fokina serving.
A close backhand from Davidovich Fokina was ruled in by the ELC, prompting Zverev to erupt. Convinced the ball was out, he pleaded with umpire Mohamed Lahyani to inspect the mark, exclaiming, “The machine is not working. Look at this mark … Don’t overrule it, please come down.” When Lahyani explained that the electronic system’s ruling was final, Zverev’s frustration peaked. In a move echoing Aryna Sabalenka’s recent actions in Stuttgart, he retrieved his phone to photograph the ball mark, earning a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct. “I honestly think there was a defect in this system,” Zverev later declared, doubling down on his belief that the ELC malfunctioned at a pivotal moment. Posts on social media reflected the polarized sentiment, with some fans praising his passion and others questioning his composure.
Despite the meltdown, Zverev regained his focus, dominating the second-set tiebreaker and cruising through a third-set tiebreak without conceding a point. His 32 winners and 81% first-serve point win rate underscored his ability to channel frustration into performance. Reflecting on the match, he expressed his love for Madrid’s Manolo Santana Stadium, saying, “This is my favourite centre court in the world, I only lost twice here in my entire life.” The victory extended his Madrid record to 24-5, tying his best career tally at a Masters 1000 event.
Zverev’s outburst highlighted a broader debate about ELC on clay, with players like Arthur Fils and Eva Lys also questioning its accuracy. Yet, his post-match comments radiated confidence. “I’m a fan of the electronic line calling, but I honestly think there was a malfunction in that moment,” he said, while emphasizing his belief in his game: “I can play well again now.” As he eyes a third Madrid title and a strong French Open showing, Zverev’s blend of tenacity and controversy keeps him at the heart of tennis’s evolving narrative.