German tennis is rocked by allegations of abuse

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German tennis is rocked by a scandal: a former and still active tennis pro accuse the former successful coach and current DTB Vice President Dirk Hordorff of abuse.

There are disturbing scenes that Maximilian Abel (41) describes in the “Sportschau”. During his active career he would have been a victim of abuse of power and sexual violence.

One story was particularly memorable

In 2003, Hordorff beat him as punishment. Abel’s description: In a hotel room, the trainer instructed him to undress and get on the bed in “dog position”. Hordorff took off his belt and hit 20 times. When Abel looked back, his trainer had an erection. “I was shocked, felt bad.”

Today Abel is in jail for credit card fraud. He is aware that his credibility is suffering. Research by the NDR and Süddeutsche Zeitung substantiates his statement.

Indian-born, still-active tennis pro Sriram Balaj (33) faces similar allegations. Hordorff humiliated him in the square, made him sleep naked on his couch and touched him everywhere, “just not his genitals”. “I felt like he wanted to treat me like his slave.”

Hordorff denies allegations

Hordorff, 67, told his lawyers that the allegations were “simply untrue”. The DTB says in a statement that an independent investigation has shown that misconduct “cannot be proven with certainty”. Hordorff’s name was not mentioned in the statement. There is only one member of the Executive Committee who is not currently in office.

The reason for this, according to Hordorff’s lawyers, is not the investigation that has been carried out, but the fact that Hordorff is currently unable to perform his duties due to an aneurysm. (dti)

Source : Blick