In court on assault charges: Zverev finds himself in the crossfire of criticism

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Tennis fans are seeing the best Alexander Zverev (26) in a long time, experts agree. But the problem for the very talented German is that people are currently talking more about things that have nothing to do with sports. Last year, the Berlin Public Prosecutor’s Office issued a criminal warrant against the world number six, who won the United Cup at the beginning of this year and has just advanced to the second round of the Australian Open.

She fined Zverev 450,000 euros because he is accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend Brenda Patea. He has a daughter with Patea.

It is not the first time that Zverev has faced accusations of violence. Olga Sharipova, also an ex-girlfriend, reported similar experiences. However, Zverev received an order against the Russian at the time; he described the allegations as “defamatory and false.”

In the current case, Zverev “completely rejects” the allegations. He said that last summer during the tournament in Hamburg. He then appealed against the fine, which has now resulted in a court case, as was announced on Monday evening via “Deutsche Welle”. The trial will therefore start on May 31 at the Tiergarten court. As always, the presumption of innocence applies until a final conviction has been handed down.

Netflix makers ignored the procedure

The announcement of the trial follows immediately after the criticism surrounding the latest Netflix season ‘Break Point’. The makers of the Zverev episode did not mention the allegations against the Tokyo Olympic champion.

Now the court news at the Australian Open creates unpleasant moments for Zverev’s competition. Anyone who is asked about the case at press conferences quickly indicates that they do not know enough about it or do not want to comment on the situation. This happened to top players Stefanos Tsitsipas, Casper Ruud, Cameron Norrie and also Grigor Dimitrov, who sits on the ATP player council together with Zverev.

Zverev stands alone, at least when it comes to public statements by other professionals, because – not surprisingly – no one wants to burn their fingers over a statement. And if so, it goes the other way: Iga Swiatek, the women’s world number one, has made it clear that Zverev’s recent entry into the players’ council was an unfortunate time: ‘It’s certainly not good as a player who faces such accusations is promoted, so to speak.”

Zverev defends himself

Zverev still believes he can continue his role on the players’ council. When asked the relevant question in Melbourne, he said: “I think so. Nobody said anything to me.” He has no reason to believe otherwise.

When asked by a reporter who said there were voices saying Zverev should not play at all, he replied: “Who says that? Journalists say that. Those who are more interested in this story than in the actual truth.” (mpe)

Source : Blick