Alexander Zverev says he has no more remarks to make about an assault case involving him after booking his place in the third round of the French Open.
The German world No.4 is currently on an eight-match winning streak and is regarded as one of the key contenders for the title in Paris this year. After disposing of 14-time champion Rafael Nadal in his opening match, Zverev brushed aside David Goffin 7-6(4), 6-2, 6-2. His surge in form on the Tour comes as a trial concerning him and allegations of physical assault against one of his former partners begins on Friday.
“I have said everything before the tournament,” the tennis star responded when asked on Thursday how he deals with the attention his trial is generating.
Zverev is going to court to challenge a penalty order and a fine of $488,000 was issued to him by a court last October. He was charged with ‘physically abusing a woman and damaging her health during an argument.’ An accusation he denies.
According to official documents seen by German media outlet Deutsche Welle, the incident is alleged to have taken place in 2020. Zverev is said to have “briefly strangled his then-partner by the neck with both hands,” causing her “shortness of breath and considerable pain.” Although the document adds that ‘the presumption of innocence applied until a final conviction.’
“I believe in the German system. I do believe in the truth, as well. I do know what I did, I do know what I didn’t do. That’s,at the end of the day, what’s going to come out, and I have to trust in that,” Zverev told reporters before the start of the French Open.
“I do believe that I’m not going to lose this procedure. There’s absolutely no chance I am. That’s why I can play calmly.”
The woman accusing Zverev of assault has been named by his defence team as Brenda Patea, who is the mother of his child.
This is not the first time that Zverev has been accused of causing harm to a former partner of his. Another ex-girlfriend, Olya Sharypova, made a series of allegations that the tennis star caused her mental and physical harm. Sharypova didn’t take any legal action but her claims sparked a lengthy ATP investigation into Zverev which concluded that there was “insufficient evidence” to substantiate those claims.
The Berlin trial is expected to last 10 days and Zverev is not required to be there in person. He will play Tallon Griekspoor in the third round of the French Open on Saturday.