It is very difficult to imagine the current state of Alexander Zverev’s mental life. The serious allegations of his ex-partner Olga Scharypova have long been in the room.
This had against Zverev in two longer articles in the tennis magazine “Raquet“in November 2020 as well as on the internet platform”slate.com“Several allegations of physical and psychological violence were raised in August 2021 during the 13-month relationship with the professional athlete. Zverev denies all allegations and dismisses them as “defamatory and untrue” return.
Since Sharypova has so far refrained from filing a lawsuit, both sides are now irreconcilable with their statements. A legal investigation by the public prosecutor’s office is not publicly known – which makes the matter piquant for Zverev.
Zverev wants to “wash his name clean”
“I find it very difficult to clear my name, and only with something like that can I do it completely”, said the 24-year-old on Wednesday (October 6, 2021; local time) at a press conference on the sidelines of the MastersTournament in Indian Wells.
Only the association of professional tennis players Tennis Professionals">ATP announced last Monday that it would initiate an investigation into the ATP tournament in Shanghai in 2019 because of Zverev’s violent acts against Sharypova.
“The allegations against Alexander Zverev are to be taken seriously and we have an obligation to investigate them”, will Tennis Professionals">ATP– Chief Massimo Calvelli quoted in a communication from the organization.
“I’m relatively happy that it finally happens. The Tennis Professionals">ATP has waited a year too long to be honest “, said Zverev after the investigations became known. He was therefore glad “that the Tennis Professionals">ATP finally move her ass and do a little something. I’m actually quite happy about it, because hopefully that will lead to the matter being dealt with “.
Only chronological ATP examinations?
However, there are doubts as to whether these internal investigations by the ATP for Zverev are actually also helpful (with a public impact). It will “not determined in terms of content. But the ATP wants to get an overview of the chronology of the events and wants to talk to the player about this. In no case can the Tennis Professionals">ATP but judge. Here the verdict of a court will always have to be awaited “, an expert close to the tennis organization, who would like to remain anonymous, informed the sports show. Due to the lack of legal investigations, there should initially be no consequences on the part of the ATP.
Zverev has been a client of the US since this summer PR-Agency “Berk Communications“which, among other things, has specialized in polishing up the reputation of top athletes.
This was about already with the agency US-Baseball-Star Alex Rodriguez, who after a positive doping test for 162 games – an entire season in the Major League Baseball – was blocked, succeeded. Against the background of the current discussions, Zverev should also hope for a similar positive effect from the PR agency.
Interim injunction obtained
Zverev takes legal action when it comes to reporting. One has “Obtained an injunction against the editor and journalist of false allegations that the allegations are defamatory and false”, announced Zverev via Twitter.
The author of both reports was Ben Rothenberg, a well-connected author in the tennis scene, who was also responsible for the renowned “New York Times“reported. “Nonetheless, both the publisher and the journalist willfully violate this court order by not stopping reporting and continuing to post the allegations on social media. My lawyers have initiated further proceedings.”, so Zverev.
Contrary to what the German tennis professional is currently hoping, these allegations will probably occupy him for a little longer.
Stand: 07.10.2021, 13:00
