German tennis star Alexander Zverev is facing heavy criticism after a video revealed that he has attended a packed party less than a week after an outbreak of COVID-19 at the Adria Tour.
The world No.7 was caught out by a Instagram story published by German fashion designer Philipp Plein on Sunday which has since been deleted. Plein is the founder of PHILIPP PLEIN International Group and is estimated to have a net worth in the region of $300 million. New York Times Journalist Ben Rothenberg obtained a copy of the video feature Zverev before it was removed from Instagram.
Sascha Zverev six days ago after Adria Tour coronavirus cluster:
“I deeply apologize to anyone that I have put at risk…I will proceed to follow self-isolating guidelines…stay safe 🙏.”
Sascha Zverev four hours ago: pic.twitter.com/vqBXvYdxkv
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) June 28, 2020
Ubitennis can confirm that the name of the venue Zverev attended was the Anjuna Plage Private Club and the party took place on Sunday afternoon. On the Instagram account of ‘Nella Rossa’ her story shows the tennis player and tagged the location of the party. Furthermore Dimasaxo, who was the person playing the saxophone in Plein’s Instagram story, wrote on his account ‘casual Sunday on the riviera! Playing for @anjunabay and @philippplein what a good time.’ Zverev was also pictured in Dimosaxo’s Instagram story.
Zverev pictured at the Anjuna Plage Private Club on Sunday afternoon. Screenshot via the entertainer (Dimosaxo) who played at the club today. Zoomed in on Zverev during his Instagram story. pic.twitter.com/rPFGEHGyId
— Adam_Addicott (@AdamAddicott) June 28, 2020
On Monday Zverev released a statement in which he pledged to enter self-isolation after playing at the Adria Tour. At the event a series of players and coaches tested positive for the Coronavirus. Including world No.1 Novak Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov and Borna Coric. Some of those who tested negative, such as Marin Cilic, confirmed that there will self-isolated for the medically recommended 14 days following the tournament, which ended last Sunday.
“I have just received the news that my team and I have tested negative for COVID-19,” Zverev wrote on Instagram. “I deeply apologise to anyone that I have potentially put at risk by playing this tour.
“I will proceed to follow the self-isolating guidelines advised by our doctors. As an added precaution, my team and I will continue with regular testing. I wish everyone who has tested positive a speedy recovery. Stay safe (praying hands emoji).”
The footage have already sparked a response online. Former world No.1 Andy Roddick wrote ‘When you think you can’t be surprised anymore …….’ shortly after the video surface and Women’s player Katie Boulter said she was ‘speechless.’
There is yet to be any statement from Zverev or his team.
