In early October, embattled German star and Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) world number three Alexander Zverev welcomed organization officials to look into allegations placing him in a controversial domestic abuse case. ATP Investigations are now ongoing after Zverev's ex-girlfriend and fellow tennis player, Russian Olga Sharypova, claimed emotional and physical violations against her during their relationship.
With any findings still relatively unclear, fans are left wondering what will happen to the Tokyo Olympics gold medalist if proven guilty. Many in the tennis community were surprised and disgusted by the case that puts an ominous spotlight on what many deem a gentleman's sport.
The ATP already had to answer a barrage of criticisms about taking slow action in investigating the allegations. For Zverev's part, the player is adamant about denying the accusations and hopes that the truth will soon come out. Zverev last appeared at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, wherein in one press conference, he told press members that he had earlier requested an investigation from the association.
He said, she said
The accusations stemmed after the couple separated in 2020. Many knew how Zverev and Sharypova had already been romantically involved since their teenage years as junior players. However, the two became more serious in 2018 and right up to Zverev's preparation for the 2019 U.S. Open when Sharypova started to speak about the actual state of their relationship.
Sharypova told in an August 2019 article of Slate magazine then later in a September follow up in Racquet magazine about how Zverev smothered her with a pillow to the point of suffocation at one argument. She described the German star as controlling and possessive, which for the most part, resulted in his violent behavior towards her.
In one instance, she told the magazine that she tried escaping the hotel room they were sharing in New York without any shoes on and in the middle of the street. Soon, a friend went to her aid and drove her to New Jersey to recover, only to reconcile with Zverev a few weeks later.
More allegations soon came out, mainly when Zverev allegedly punched Sharypova in the face as games for the Laver Cup in Geneva went on in September. Driven to the point of helplessness, she said she locked herself up in a hotel room bathroom and injected a shot of insulin, perhaps to reach a state of hypoglycemic coma. Zverev then called a tournament official who assisted the couple by giving her glucose tablets to counter the adverse effects of the shot.
After the allegations became public, Zverev and his lawyer went to action early by lodging a case in Germany against the Slate article's author Ben Rothenberg. The magazine issued a holding statement regarding the lawsuit, saying it supports Rothenberg and remains committed to 'fair and accurate reporting. Eventually, Zverev won the case in Germany and is looking forward to the ATP's third-party investigation to clear his name finally.
More questions arise
With Zverev winning his case against Slate in Germany, more questions arose about the case, including why Sharypova didn't go directly to local authorities for help. However, many speculated that most abuse victims would initially refuse to go through legal proceedings or file a criminal case.
Needed to be considered are more complex factors in the case – you have a Russian woman pinpointing a German tennis star for incidents that allegedly occurred in New York, Basel, and Shanghai. It's a web of complicated time zones, potential overseas witnesses, and a high-profile case that could smear the ATP's name. Aside from these factors and regardless of what others think, there's a business aspect to the whole issue.
Based on how he had been recently performing, the case doesn't seem to pose any distraction for Zverev, who took home the Tokyo Olympic gold medal, two Masters Series events titles, and wins in four other tournaments. If anything, this year may be one of Zverev's most remarkable seasons in his blossoming career so far.
On Sharypoca's part, the ATP was first reluctant to acknowledge the accusations, simply stating that the governing body does not have any current domestic abuse policies in place. The most the association could do back in August was to review its safeguarding rules in the hopes of shedding light on domestic violence issues.
The ATP action everyone has been waiting for
Finally, in October, the ATP commissioned an independent safeguarding report ensuring all professional tennis players, whether adults or minors are safe and protected. Former U.K. Metropolitan Police Detective Chief Inspector Chris Smart and his team spearheaded the report, which offered recommendations that covered all activities of the ATP. They centered on prevention, abuse investigations, disciplinary measures, and event safety, among others.
The report's review aligns with the ATP's current investigation on Zverev's case as officials stated that its serious nature is something that the association needs to address accordingly. The particular issue in question focuses on events during the 2019 ATP Masters 1000 in Shanghai wherein Sharypova alleged that Zverev pushed her against a bathroom wall and choked her. She claims it was but one of many physical and emotional fits of abuse she suffered at the hands of the German ace, which went on as a familiar pattern in their relationship.
ATP chief executive officer Massimo Calvelli had told the press that the association would examine the case's facts and issue appropriate action. Part of the investigation is the ongoing monitoring of related legal developments and considerations of the German court case results.
While the ATP's independent investigation will not stand as any form of legal action that can be readily admissible in future court proceedings, it's one good way to uphold the association's reputation as an organization of class and fairness. Most importantly, it leads everyone in the right direction in finding out the truth and seeking justice where it's necessary. Hopefully, both Zverev and Sharypova can soon find closure to this rather ugly episode in international tennis. For now, only time will tell.
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