Nadal appeals for tougher sanctions for umpire abuse

RAFAEL Nadal called for tougher sanctions against players who abuse tennis officials on Thursday in the wake of the controversial suspended sentence handed down to Alexander Zverev.

Spanish star Nadal said that as a friend and practice partner of Zverev, he had no desire to see the German Olympic champion receive a stiffer sentence for his violent outburst at last month’s Mexico

Open in Acapulco.

But the 21-time grand slam champion said that as a fan of the sport, tougher sanctions were needed.

Zverev was disqualified from the tournament for repeatedly smashing his racket into the umpire’s chair before verbally abusing the official.

On Monday, the 24-year-old was given a suspended eightweek ban and $25,000 fine for the incident.