Alexander Zverev imposed a maximum fine by the ATP over the referee’s incident | Alexander Zverev

Alexander Zverev was fined $40,000 (£30,000) and forfeited his more than $30,000 prize money for his actions at the Mexican Open.

Men’s World No. 3 caused anger At the end of the doubles match on Tuesday When he hit the referee’s chair Alessandro Germani repeatedly with his racket, he almost grabbed the official’s leg.

Zverev was promptly kicked out of the tournament in Acapulco and has since publicly apologized for the incident and privately to Germani.

The fines represent the maximum amounts the ATP can impose, and the 24-year-old German still faces further penalties – including a ban – when a full investigation is conducted.

An ATP statement read: “After Alexander Zverev withdrew from this week’s tournament in Acapulco due to unsportsmanlike conduct, the player received the following on-site penalties; verbal abuse – $20,000; unsportsmanlike conduct – $20,000.”

“This represents the maximum fine for each violation. Zverev also lost the full prize money of $31,570 (singles and doubles), plus all ATP rating points from the event.

“Another review of the incident will now follow in accordance with the rules of the ATP.”