Tennis Olympic champion Alexander Zverev apologized for freaking out at the ATP tournament in Acapulco.

He is extremely sorry for the incident: "It is difficult to put into words how much I regret my behavior during and after yesterday's double," wrote the 24-year-old from Hamburg on Instagram.

"I have privately apologized to the chair umpire because my outburst to him was wrong and unacceptable and I am only disappointed in myself."

The third in the world rankings had previously been disqualified in Mexico after insulting the referee, among other things, as "damn idiots".

Zverev is no longer allowed to compete against Peter Gojowczyk (Munich) in his individual round of 16, the ATP announced.

Gojowczyk reached the quarterfinals without a fight, the tournament is over for Zverev.

"shouldn't have happened"

Zverev had lost his composure after the 1: 2 (2: 6, 6: 4, 6:10) alongside Marcelo Melo (Brazil) against Lloyd Glasspool/Harri Heliövaara (Great Britain/Finland).

He yelled loudly at referee Alessandro Germani after the first round match and repeatedly hit his chair with his bat, just missing his feet.

"It just shouldn't have happened and there is no excuse," wrote Zverev: "As you know, I give everything on the pitch.

It was clearly too much yesterday.” He wants to use the coming days to think about his “deeds” and “how I can ensure that something like this doesn't happen again”.

Zverev concluded his statement with the following words: "I'm sorry that I disappointed you."

It is still unclear how things will continue for him.

Next up is a start at the Masters 1000 event in Indian Wells.

It is also unclear whether Zverev is threatened with further consequences in addition to the disqualification in Acapulco.

The ATP did not comment further on Wednesday.

A fine or a ban would be possible.

Meanwhile, Davis Cup debutant Daniel Altmaier was eliminated in the first round of the tournament in Acapulco.

The 23-year-old tennis pro from Kempen lost 6: 7 (5: 7), 2: 6 against British player Cameron Norrie on Tuesday (local time).

In the coming week, Altmaier will be part of the German Davis Cup team for the first time.

March in Rio de Janeiro against Brazil.

At the ATP tournament in Santiago de Chile, on the other hand, Yannick Hanfmann is in the round of 16.

The 30-year-old from Karlsruhe won 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 against Argentina's Federico Coria, who was number five.

In the round of 16, Hanfmann will now face Thiago Seyboth Wild from Brazil.