US Open spectator thrown out after 'most famous Hitler phrase' used against Germany's Alexander Zverev
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A spectator at the US Open was thrown out after German player Alexander Zverev accused them of using 'the most famous Hitler phrase' towards him.
Zverev was competing in his fourth round match against Czech Republic's Jannik Sinner when the incident occurred.
The world number 12 secured a five-set victory to set up a quarter-final clash against reigning Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz.
But midway through the match, which was taking place in the Arthur Ashe Stadium, Zverev complained to the umpire that a spectator had said 'the most famous Hitler phrase to him'.
The umpire subsequently asked the spectator allegedly involved to identify themselves, but no-one did. Security then intervened and had words with a spectator, before escorting them out.
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In a statement, a US Tennis Association spokesperson said: "A disparaging remark was directed towards Zverev. The fan was identified and escorted from the stadium."
Back on the court, the match between Zverev and Sinner went to a five-set thriller, with the German prevailing to book his spot in the last eight of theUS Open.
It was a late finish, with the match finishing at 1:37am local time.
Speaking after the match, Zverev did pay tribute to the crowd as a whole, but did not mention the incident.
He said: "I guess I can say I'm back, right? This is what I live for, this is what I absolutely love to do.
"I wish I could have played a bit shorter, that's for sure. But when I was injured, this is what I missed - playing until half past one in a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium.
"I was completely done in the fourth set, I was extremely tired. I think [Sinner] was in better shape. In the fifth set, I somehow found it. But for sure, without the energy, without the crowd, this would not have been possible. This is one of the best moments of my career."
