And want to make clear again that Zverev should have severe sanctions.
But the ATP want to present a good, wholesome, family sport - it's (a) what they believe in (I presume) and (b) in their commercial interests
And, as such, they need to look at every side of this to see how such instances can be limited in the future.
For instance, as per every penal system, have they thought of both carrot and stick approaches?
i.e. higher sanctions AND fairplay bonuses?
e.g. what about 50 points at the end of the year for every top 100 player who has not received a single warning throughout the year? (and 20 points for the same for others) - no idea what the correct amount would be but you get the point.
Equally, 50 points deduction if you go over 3 warnings in the year (or whatever)
Financial sanctions are not enough. Points might be better. More direct. BUT on a reward basis, as well as a negative basis.
And then they also have to look at how the structure aids or encourages it.
But Nix, it's no good, IMO, saying other professions get tired. It's true. BUT it's a question of controlling the controllables, and it's in nobody's interest to actually implement a system that exacerbates that (Lord knows, we have enough problems with junior doctors getting burnt out, leaving, serious substance abuse, making mistakes, because they're working ridiculous hours - it's hardly an argument that others should follow their example of a messed up system). The ATP need to look at their time schedule as well, IMO.
Absolutely agree that we should learn from errors around treatment of players.
Interesting idea about carrot and stick approaches. People who behave well often don't get rewarded for it, which is a shame.
I don't think we should say, and I certainly didn't mean, that comparisons with other professions means that tennis players should just suck it up too. What I meant was that tiredness is no excuse for extremely poor behaviour, as I wouldn't expect doctors or firefighters to act out because they're tired either. We can learn from it generally to improve conditions for everyone, I completely agree with that, but not excuse the poor behaviour from individuals.