World number three refused entry to Rome venue after arriving without a booking, with staff reportedly failing to recognise him.
Alexander Zverev found himself on the wrong side of a restaurant door during his stay in Rome for the Italian Open, in an incident that has been widely reported in the Italian press.
The German tennis player arrived late in the evening at Zuma, a well-known restaurant in the centre of Rome, accompanied by his brother Mischa and a friend, hoping to dine in the heart of the city – but was turned away.
The reason was twofold: there was no reservation in his name, and no one inside the restaurant had recognised him. Zverev was therefore left with no option but to change his plans for the evening.
The episode was recounted by former Italian MP Andrea Ruggieri on the podcast TennisTalker: “I went for dinner on the terrace at Zuma, and at the entrance I witnessed an incredible scene – Alexander Zverev with his brother Mischa and a friend, left outside at the door.”
The restaurant, when approached by La Repubblica newspaper for comment, declined to respond.
The incident occurred the evening before Zverev was due to face Italian player Luciano Darderi in the round of sixteen at the Italian Open.
The presigious tennis tournament is taking place at the Foro Italico until 17 May.
Photo credit: Celso Pupo / Shutterstock.com
