RAFAEL Nadal called for tougher sanctions against players who abuse tennis officials yesterday, in the wake of Alexander Zverev’s controversial suspended sentence.

The Spaniard said as Zverev’s friend and practice partner, he has no desire to see the German receive a stiffer sentence for his violent outburst at the Mexico Open in Acapulco last month.

But as a fan of the sport, tougher sanctions are needed, he added.

Zverev, 24, was disqualified from the tournament for repeatedly smashing his racket into the umpire’s chair before verbally abusing the official.

The Olympic champion was given a suspended eight-week ban and US$25,000 (RM104,000) fine for the incident – penalties decried as too lenient by some.

Nadal, speaking ahead of the ATP/WTA Indian Wells Masters tournament in California yesterday, said more stringent punishments should be levied in future.

“It is so difficult to talk in my position because from from one point of view, I have a good relationship with Sascha (Zverev) – I like him and practice with him very often,” said the 21-time Grand Slam champion.

“I wish him all the best and he knows that he is wrong, honestly, and he recognised that very early. So that is a positive thing… in my opinion.

“On the other hand… if we are unable to control and create a rule or way to penalise this type of attitude in a stronger way, then we as players, we feel stronger and stronger all the time.

“We need to set a positive example, especially for the kids watching us.

“So from one side, I do not want a penalisation for Sascha because I like him and have a very good relationship with him.

“On the other hand… I would like to see something harder for this kind of attitude, not only him, I mean in general terms because this protects the sport and referees.”

Nadal, meanwhile, is relishing the opportunity of another campaign in the Californian desert, where he has won three times in the past.

He has enjoyed a blistering start to 2022, going unbeaten at 15-0 and snaffling his record 21st Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.

“It was an unexpected moment for me to be in this position,” said Nadal.

“I am enjoying it every day and trying to stay with the right attitude to enjoy the fact that I am playing well and enjoying matches and winning titles.

“I have been able to find a way to adapt my game to what I need to be competitive – some days being more aggressive, some days being more tactical, more defensive.

“I have been brave enough to play with the right determination in the moments that I needed.” – AFP, March 11, 2022.