Alexander Zverev expelled from Mexican Open in Acapulco for assault on umpire's chair after doubles loss

Men's tennis world number three Alexander Zverev was kicked out of the ATP 500 tournament in Acapulco, Mexico, for «unsportsmanlike conduct» after his doubles match.

Germany's Zverev came perilously close to hitting umpire Alessandro Germani following his doubles loss alongside Brazilian tennis player Marcelo Melo.

He repeatedly assaulted the umpire's chair with his racquet after a 6-2, 4-6, (10-6) defeat to the British-Finn pair of Lloyd Glasspool and Harri Heliovaara.

Zverev struck the umpire’s chair three times, sat for a moment, then got back up and yelled at the umpire that he «destroyed the whole f***ing match» and struck the chair once more with his racket as the umpire climbed down.

Minutes earlier, Zverev had received a code violation after yelling and swearing in protest of a shot that was ruled in, setting up match point.

Glasspool then ended the match with an ace past Zverev. The men's tour were not impressed and expelled Zverev from the tournament where he was defending champion.

«Due to unsportsmanlike conduct at the conclusion of his doubles match on Tuesday night, Alexander Zverev has been withdrawn from the tournament in Acapulco,» the ATP said in a statement.

Zverev said he regretted his behaviour and apologised for the incident.

Australia's Nick Kyrgios launches a serious social media serve at world number seven Alexander Zverev for busting his pledge to self-isolate after the disastrous Adria Cup exhibition tournament.

«It is difficult to put into words how much I regret my behaviour during and after the doubles match yesterday,» Zverev said in a statement.

«I have privately apologised to the chair umpire because my outburst towards him was wrong and unacceptable, and I am only disappointed in myself.

»It just