During the US Open tournament, a German player took a brave action in the middle of his match that left everyone present surprised. The incident occurred when a spectator uttered the phrase "Deutschland über alles", which is widely known for its connection to Adolf Hitler's Nazi regime, and the player stopped the game demanding an immediate response from the tournament organizers.
Tennis is a sport that is often associated with elegance, respect, and sportsmanship. Players usually focus on their game and on respecting the established rules, but sometimes, unusual situations can arise. This incident at the US Open is a clear example of how an impulsive action can trigger a series of reactions in the white sport.
The phrase "Deutschland über alles", which translates as "Germany above all", was used in the lyrics of the German national anthem in the 19th century. However, during Hitler's Nazi regime, this phrase was misinterpreted and appropriated to promote German supremacy and the expansion of the Third Reich. As a result, the phrase became a symbol of Nazi ideology and is associated with one of the darkest periods in human history.
Viral Video at the US Open
German player Alexander Zverev took a firm stance by immediately stopping his match after hearing the phrase. He requested the intervention of the game's referee, demanding strong measures against the spectator who had uttered the controversial expression. The response from the match referee was quick and decisive: the spectator was immediately expelled from the stadium.
Zverev immediately approached the umpire, Britain's James Keovathong, to complain about the alleged shout. "He just said the most famous Hitler phrase that exists in this world. This is unacceptable and unbelievable," he accused. Keothavong immediately consulted with security agents and even spoke towards the stands for the responsible person to identify themselves.