Officials of the ATP men’s tennis circuit announced on Monday that they had launched an investigation into allegations of domestic violence made against Germany’s Alexander Zverev by his ex-girlfriend. “An internal investigation into the allegations concerning Alexander Zverev at the Shanghai Masters 1000 in 2019 is currently underway,” ATP said in a statement.
“The ATP fully condemns any form of violence or abuse and will investigate such allegations related to the behavior of a player during an ATP member tournament,” the statement continued. Last year, former Russian junior player Olga Sharypova accused Zverev of physical and psychological violence, without going to court, charges that the player rejected.
“Zverev welcomes our investigation”, assures the CEO of ATP
Online magazine Slate published more details on the accusations in August, prompting 24-year-old Zverev to take legal action in Germany and publish a statement in which he “categorically and unequivocally” denied that he had been violent. with Olga Sharypova. One of her allegations against the world No.4 referred to alleged acts of violence during the Masters 1000 in Shanghai in 2019.
ATP Director General Massimo Calvelli said for his part that “the allegations raised against Alexander Zverev are serious and we have a responsibility to deal with them”. “We hope that our investigation will allow us to establish the facts and determine the appropriate follow-up action. We understand that Zverev welcomes our investigation and take into account the fact that he has denied all the allegations, ”he added.