Andy Murray has slammed Alexander Zverev for his "dangerous" act after being knocked out of the doubles event at the Mexican Open.
The world number three lost his temper in Acapulco, after he and partner Marcelo Melo suffered defeat at the hands of British player Lloyd Glasspool and Harri Heliovaara of Finland in a third set tie-break.
After shaking hands with his opponents, Zverev walked to the side of the court where he proceeded to smash his tennis racket against the umpire's chair three times.
The incident incited jeers from the crowd but, still apparently seeing red, the German went back for a fourth hit as the umpire was climbing down from his perch.
Despite being knocked out of the doubles tournament, he was still due to play in the singles, with a second round match against Peter Gojowczyk scheduled.
However, tournament organisers have now kicked him out of the competition as punishment for his outburst.
"Due to unsportsmanlike conduct at the conclusion of his doubles match on Tuesday night, Alexander Zverev has been withdrawn from the tournament in Acapulco," the ATP said in a statement.
Murray, who has been known to lose his temper on-court – but never in a way which saw him hit an umpire's chair – has slammed Zverev for his actions.
"I obviously understand lots of players, athletes across lots of sports, can get very frustrated," the three-time Grand Slam champion said after his defeat to Jannik Sinner in Dubai.
"Certainly me, myself, I've not always acted in the way I would want on the tennis court. I'm certainly not claiming to be an angel. I'm not perfect myself.
"However, when you're ripping your tennis racket right next to the umpire multiple times, yeah, you can't be doing that.
"I know obviously one of the British guys who was playing, as well, a bit dangerous. It's graphite flying off the racquet, as well. Yeah, it was not good."
World number one Novak Djokovic has also weighed in on the incident, and said Zverev deserves the punishment he was given.
"I think the disqualification was not too harsh," the Serbian said. "I think it was correct under the circumstances.
"Hopefully he can reflect on that and not let something like that happen ever again in his life. I'm sure he's going to approach it maturely."
Meanwhile, Zverev has since released a statement apologising for his actions and accepting his punishment.
"It is difficult to put into words how much I regret my behaviour during and after the doubles match yesterday," he wrote on his Instagram page.
"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 should not have happened and there is no excuse. I would also like to apologise to my fans, the tournament and the sport that I love. I am sorry for letting you down."
