"Can't be happy seeing someone accused by 2 women of domestic abuse" - Fans dismayed by Italian Open 'promoting' Alexander Zverev after title
Alexander Zverev clinched his second Italian Open title on Sunday (May 19). However, a recent image of Zverev holding the trophy has sparked outrage among fans, as they recalled the past accusations associated with the German player.
Zverev was accused of domestic violence last year by his ex-girlfriend, Brenda Patea, who is also the mother of his child. The matter is to be settled in a Berlin court as the trial begins on May 31. Moreover, the case will coincide with his forthcoming campaign at the 2024 French Open.
Zverev was issued a penalty order by the German court in November 2023 following allegations of assault against his ex-girlfriend, Brenda Patea. However, he has contested the order and maintains his innocence until a final verdict is reached.
The German defeated Nicolas Jarry 6-4, 7-5 to win the summit clash at Foro Italico. Following the triumph, the tournament's official page shared a picture of Zverev holding the trophy. They added a caption to it which read:
"Rome by night with our 2024 champion"
Netizens seemed unhappy with the official handle promoting Zverev's triumph on X. They recalled the accusations against the German and expressed anger through the comments.
"Can't really be happy seeing someone accused by two women of domestic abuse lifting the trophy," said one fan.
"I am stund that you are promoting a wife beater" another fan commented.
"Hopefully the next silverware he has in his hands are handcuffs. Clink Clink" a fan wrote.
A fan was curious to know the prospective appearance of the World No. 4.
"Next stop Court of Law! Or RG??" this fan said.
One set of fans, meanwhile, congratulated the German on his emphatic triumph.
"Congratulations champ" a fan wrote.
"congrats alexander" a fan chimed in.
"I would definitely not be a champion here" - Alexander Zverev on his comeback
Zverev was sidelined due to an ankle injury he sustained during his encounter with Rafael Nadal at the 2022 French Open. In his post-match victory speech, the German thanked his team for their support and revealed that he was skeptical of a comeback.
"The last two years have been extremely difficult. Coming from an injury that I didn't know whether I was ever gonna be on this stage regardless of winning or losing so this moment is extremely special. The first people that I want to thank is my team because without them the last two years I don't know where I would be, I would definitely not be a champion here," Zverev said.
Alexander Zverev won his first Masters 1000 trophy in three years on Sunday. His last trophy in a Masters 1000 event came in 2021 when he won the Cincinnati Open. Zverev will participate in the French Open this month and is one of the favorites to win the clay court Slam.