Spectator Ejected from U.S. Open After Allegedly Quoting Hitler Phrase Towards Alexander Zverev
September 5, 2023, 5:25 AM ET – In an unexpected turn of events at the U.S. Open in New York City, a spectator was swiftly ejected from the tennis match early Tuesday morning after allegedly quoting a phrase from Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime towards German player Alexander Zverev.
The incident occurred in Arthur Ashe Stadium at around 12:15 a.m. ET during the fourth set of Zverev’s match against Italian player Jannik Sinner. Zverev, the No. 12 seed, approached chair umpire James Keothavong and pointed out a fan sitting court-side, accusing him of making the offensive remark.
“He said the most famous Hitler phrase to me. He just said the most famous Hitler phrase there is in this world. It’s unacceptable. This is unbelievable,” Zverev expressed to the umpire.
In response, Keothavong immediately turned to the crowd and demanded that the fan reveal himself. “Put your hand up. Who said that? Who said that? Who said that? We are going to get him out,” the umpire asserted.
Security officials were promptly called in to identify and remove the fan from the premises. The crowd erupted in cheers as the individual was escorted out of the arena.
Chair umpire Keothavong took the opportunity to address the spectators, urging them to remain fair and maintain respect for the players involved in the competition.
When questioned about the incident, a spokesperson for the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) stated, “A fan directed a disparaging remark towards Alexander Zverev. The fan was identified and then escorted from the stadium.” The USTA clarified that law enforcement was not involved in the matter.
Despite the unsettling interruption, Zverev managed to regain his focus and emerged victorious against Sinner in a grueling five-set match lasting close to four hours. With his triumph, Zverev advances to the quarterfinals where he will face the No. 1 seed and defending U.S. Open champion, Carlos Alcaraz of Spain.
This incident serves as a reminder of the need to maintain respect and uphold sportsmanship within the realm of professional tennis. Such inappropriate behavior from spectators not only disrupts the integrity of the game but also disrespects the hard work and dedication of the athletes involved.