The US Open is in full swing, with players putting their best foot forward to emerge victorious. The crowd has witnessed the highs and lows of the game as the tournament has progressed. However this time, they witnessed a new low as a fan yelled a phrase made famous by Hitler during his regime. German player Alexander Zverev, who heard it, made sure the fan left before the match resumed.
This incident took place during the early hours of Tuesday when Zverev was up against Jannik Sinner in the fourth round. Zverev and Sinner were playing a closely contested match, for a spot in the quarterfinals.
Both players were battling it out in the fourth set, as the scoreboard read 2-2 when it happened. Zverev immediately reported the matter to James Keothavong, the umpire. He told the umpire that a fan, “just said the most famous Hitler phrase there is.” (via Tennis.com).
Video of Zverev telling the umpire that a fan just yelled “the most famous Hitler phrase” in his match against Jannik Sinner.
The last thing you’d think to hear in the middle of a tennis match.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 5, 2023
James took prompt action, as he turned around and demanded to know who said it. Security came in immediately, and the fan was escorted out.
As the fan who was guilty of yelling Hitler’s phrase walked off, the crowd booed him. Since the news of this incident spread, fans took to social media to blast the accused. One fan thanked Zverev, “for calling out this anti-semite.” Here are a few reactions.
Thank you @AlexZverev for being a hero calling out this anti-Semite. NY doesn’t tolerate hate and in Germany kids are taught about the Holocaust early on. Whereas @RonDeSantis looks the other way and allows anti semitism and erases the Holocaust
— LilD (@dsfeit) September 5, 2023
Despicable and reprehensible.
— A tous seigneurs tous honneurs. (@LeVieuRambo) September 5, 2023
Alexander Zverev later told reporters that the fan started singing Hitler’s anthem. It is not the first time fans have crossed a boundary at a Grand Slam. But singing Hitler’s now-banned anthem is a new low.
Despite this despicable incident, Zverev won the match against Sinner in five sets. Jannik fought hard but could not overcome Alexander. Zverev will face defending champion Carlos Alcaraz next.
Alexander Zverev vs. Carlos Alcaraz head-to-head
The quarterfinal clash between Zverev and Alcaraz is going to be an absolute cracker of a match. Alcaraz has been in splendid form since winning his maiden Wimbledon title.
Carlos cruised through to the quarterfinals but Zverev will be his biggest challenge yet. As for Alexander himself, he has fended off his opponents so far, winning a difficult match against Jannik Sinner.
Alcaraz and Zverev have faced each other five times in their careers. Zverev has a narrow lead over Carlos, winning three encounters out of five. However, the last time they had faced each other was at the Madrid Open, where Alcaraz defeated him in straight sets.
The anticipation around this matchup is sky-high, as Alcaraz is hoping to defend his title successfully. The two giants will lock horns on Wednesday.
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