"Are they going to talk about how to abuse a woman and get away?": Fans aghast as Alexander Zverev and brother Mischa launch new podcast series
Alexander Zverev and his older brother Mischa have announced the launch of their new video podcast series, 'A BIS Z.' The video version will be available on the Tennis Channel, while the audio version can be streamed on various podcast platforms. However, many fans criticized the American digital cable and television network for providing the Zverev brothers with a platform.
Zverev and Mischa announced the news during the former's interview with his brother, after winning his Round of 32 match against Jesper De Jong at the Hamburg Open on July 17.
The first episode features Boris Becker, with upcoming ones including reality stars and entrepreneurs Die Geisens, football stars Breel Embolo and Ismael Jakobs, as well as music star DJ Otzi. It will consist of 10-12 episodes this year.
The 2024 French Open finalist posted a short video clip of his and his brother's interview with Becker on Instagram, writing in the caption:
"Excited to announce my new podcast “A BIS Z” with my co-pilot @mischazverevofficial. We serve up Pop Culture, famous guests and a little tennis in between. 🎧 on your favorite podcast networks and 👀 full episodes on tennischannel.de. Episode 1 with legend @borisbeckerofficial."
The news did not sit well with tennis fans, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their disappointment. One user wondered if the duo were planning to talk about how to "abuse women and get away with it," referring to Alexander Zverev's domestic abuse allegations by his ex-girlfriends, Olga Sharypova and Brenda Patea.
"Are they going to talk about how to abuse women and get away with it?" the user commented.
One user criticized the Tennis Channel for giving Zverev a platform, tweeting:
"Disgusting to give him a podcast. How dare you. I’m embarassed that I’ve ever given you a click about anything."
"If i had a dollar for every time a male tennis player accused of domestic violence ended up having a podcast that was promoted heavily by the tennis media, I'd have two dollars which isn't a lot but it's weird it's happened twice," one account posted.
Another posted:
"I find this deeply troubling. Ignoring his repeated history of domestic abuse is poor, propping it up is reprehensible," an user wrote.
Another fan sarcastically commented that they were eager to watch the first episode, featuring a reunion between "tax fraud" Boris Becker and "domestic abuser" Alexander Zverev. Becker spent eight months in prison for tax fraud in 2022.
"Tax evader meets domestic abuser. FANTASTIC idea of a podcast, great job, can't wait to listen!" the user commented.
Alexander Zverev and his brother Mischa share reasons behind launching their podcast
During his interview with his brother Mischa following his Round of 32 win over Jesper De Jong at the Hamburg Open, Alexander Zverev opened up about why they chose to launch the podcast.
The German mentioned that he has always been interested in talk shows and wanted to blend the tennis world with his love for insightful interviews.
"I wanted to do a project like this for myself because I've had a keen interest in talk shows for a long time," Alexander Zverev said.
"I've always found the medium of television exciting. That's why the video podcast is a flexible alternative for me to combine the tennis world with my interest in good interviews," he added.
Mischa Zverev weighed in, adding:
"We want to have a cosy conversation with our guests. Topicality is not the main focus. We will also meet actors, musicians and politicians who are interested in us and the format. Our current goal for this year is 10 to 12 episodes."