$750,000 twist in Alexander Zverev’s physical abuse accusation
Tennis player Alexander Zverev has been forced into a court room battle following a sickening accusation from his ex-girlfriend.
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German tennis star Alexander Zverev has been handed a $750,000 fine by a Berlin court for allegedly assaulting a woman in May 2020.
The former world number two is contesting the 450,000 euro fine, which was issued on October 2, and has “lodged an objection”, a spokeswoman for the Berlin courts said in a statement.
Zverev has been “accused of physically abusing a woman and damaging her health during an argument” in the German capital over three years ago, the spokeswoman said, adding that until a final ruling is made, Zverev is considered to be innocent.
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The Tiergarten district court will now “hear from those involved in the proceedings again”, before likely scheduling a hearing.
The alleged victim had joined the proceedings as a co-complainant, the spokeswoman indicated.
Zverev’s lawyers rejected the accusations in a statement, naming the woman as Brenda Patea, the tennis player’s ex-girlfriend.
The allegations made by Patea “which alone form the basis for the penalty order, have already been refuted by a forensic medical report”, the lawyers said.
The model in 2021 gave birth to a daughter Mayla. She said Zverev is the father of the child. The pair had already split when Patea announced she was 20 weeks pregnant.
They dated for less than 12 months.
Patea confirmed in an Instagram post in July that she had applied for a penalty order against Zverev.
The ATP Tour in January closed an investigation into allegations of domestic abuse against Zverev involving a female tennis player after finding insufficient evidence.
The ATP had opened the probe into Zverev in October 2021 following allegations made by his former girlfriend, Olya Sharypova.
Zverev is currently competing in the ATP Paris Masters and won his first-round match against Hungarian Marton Fucsovics on Wednesday.
The German 10th seed came back from one set down to beat Hungarian Fucsovics 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 in the round of 64 at Bercy Arena.
He did not appear to be disturbed by the court’s decision when speaking after the match.
“It was just one or two points (that made the difference),” Zverev said of the match.
“He was playing incredibly well and tactically I think he was unbelievable.
“His slice was effective as I did not know what to do on this surface here. It was a very difficult match and I am happy to be through. I found my level and I am happy with that.” Zverev is still seeking to secure his place among the top eight who will go on to the ATP Finals in Turin next month.
— with AFP
Originally published as $750,000 twist in Alexander Zverev’s physical abuse accusation
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