Rafael Nadal says Alexander Zverev's punishment is "deserved" after the world number three was thrown out of the Mexican Open for attacking the umpire's chair.
It came after he and Marcelo Melo lost 6-2 4-6 10-6 to Lloyd Glasspool and Harri Heliovaara in the doubles event.
The 24-year-old later apologised, calling his behaviour "unacceptable".
Speaking after his second-round victory over Stefan Kozlov, which ensured his best start to a season, Nadal said: "I enjoy good relations with Alexander, but at the end of the day the punishment is deserved.
"One cannot behave in this manner and I believe he is conscious of that.