Alexander Zverev, of Russian origin but a native of Hamburg and therefore German by passport, was involved in an incident during the fourth set of the US Open round of 16 match against Jannik Sinner that he likely wasn’t expecting.
The 26-year-old explained what prompted him to speak to chair umpire James Keothavong after hearing a Nazi slogan from a fan in the crowd.
“He started singing the anthem of Hitler that was back in the day. It was ‘Deutschland Uber Alles’ and it was a bit too much,” said Zverev.
“I think he was getting involved in the match for a long time, though. I don’t mind it, I love when fans are loud, I love when fans are emotional.
“But I think me being German and not really proud of that history, it’s not really a great thing to do and I think him sitting in one of the front rows, I think a lot of people heard it.
“So if I just don’t react, I think it’s bad from my side.”
Tournament security was quick to locate the supporter before escorting him out of Arthur Ashe Center.
Two quarterfinalists skip training
After the four hour and 41 minute match, Zverev decided not to train on Tuesday in order to save his strength for Wednesday’s quarterfinals with Carlos Alcaraz. The player from Murcia also stayed at the hotel for treatment with his physiotherapist Juanjo Moreno.
Organizers have scheduled the match at the end of the night session on Wednesday, and thus during prime time in the United States.