Novak Djokovic Says Alexander Zverev Punishment "Correct", Andy Murray Blasts "Reckless" German

Novak Djokovic has deemed the tour's decision to disqualify Alexander Zverev from the Acapulco tournament as "correct" while Andy Murray described the German's racquet-smashing spree as "dangerous" and "reckless".

Djokovic, playing his first tournament since his deportation from Australia, continued his fight to keep his number one ranking with a convincing 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) victory over Karen Khachanov in Dubai to move into his 10th consecutive quarter-final on Wednesday.

The Serb later weighed in on Zverev's violent behaviour towards a chair umpire that got him kicked out of the ATP event in Acapulco.

Zverev went on a tirade over a disputed call during his doubles opener alongside Marcelo Melo, verbally abusing the official and repeatedly hitting the umpire's chair with his racquet at the end of the match.

The ATP tour announced that Zverev had been "withdrawn" from the tournament "due to unsportsmanlike conduct" and the world number three will not be able to defend his singles title in Acapulco.

Zverev later issued a statement regretting his behaviour and apologised to the official for his "wrong and unacceptable" outburst.

Djokovic, who was disqualified from the US Open in 2020 for accidentally hitting a line judge with a ball, said he expects 24-year-old Zverev to reflect on what he has done.

"I think he said it all in that statement. He realises that it was a mistake. I understand the frustration. Sometimes on the court you feel in the heat of the battle lots of different emotions," said Djokovic.

"I made mistakes in the past where I've had tantrums on the court. I understand what the player is going through. But, of course, I do not justify his actions. He has, with the words that he had in the statement, handled it