Ahead of Alexander Zverev's first court date in domestic abuse case amid French Open, tennis journalist issues "reminder" of the trial in Berlin
Tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg reminded fans about Alexander Zverev's upcoming trial in Berlin. The German has appealed the $487,000 (€450,000) fine levied upon him in light of domestic abuse charges filed by his ex-girlfriend.
The hearing is slated to begin on Friday, May 31. Zverev will be represented by his legal defense team at the hearing amid the German's ongoing French Open campaign.
The Berlin court, where the hearing will take place, has so far refused to name Zverev's ex-girlfriend. However, in October 2023, the World No. 4's defense team identified her as Brenda Patea, who is also the mother of Zverev's daughter Mayla.
Rothenberg's investigative reporting led to the surfacing of domestic abuse allegations against Zverev by another former girlfriend, Olga Sharypova, in 2020. Since then, he has repeatedly questioned the German's presence on the ATP Tour, often opining that Zverev should be barred from playing until he is proven innocent.
Recently, the journalist took to X (formerly Twitter) and reminded the tennis community about the commencement of the public trial. According to Rothenberg, the trial is bound to cast a dark shadow on Zverev's tennis career in the months ahead.
"Also a reminder for tennis follower schedule planning for Friday. Alexander Zverev has his first court date tomorrow in Berlin. Proceedings should overshadow the next two months of his tennis," Rothenberg wrote.
"There's absolutely no chance I am going to lose this procedure" - Alexander Zverev
Zverev came into the French Open riding a wave of success. The German stormed to the Italian Open title, winning the prestigious ATP Masters 1000 event for the second time in his career. After his title triumph in Rome, Zverev was asked about his thoughts on the public trial revolving around his ex-girlfriend's domestic abuse allegations against him.
The German expressed confidence that the Berlin court's decision would be in his favor. He also said that it's this confidence that is allowing him to play some of the best tennis that he has played in his career.
"At the end of the day, I do believe in the German system. I do believe in the truth. Not out of my hands, but I do believe that l'm not going to lose this procedure… There's absolutely no chance I am. That's why I can play calmly, and I think my results have been showing it," Alexander Zverev said.
Zverev, who is among the favorites to win the French Open, reached the third round of the claycourt Major after beating Rafael Nadal and David Goffin. The German is set to face No. 26 seed Tallon Griekspoor next on Saturday, June 1.