Zverev focuses amidst off-court controversies

On Wednesday, Alexander Zverev continued his stellar play with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Miomir Kecmanovic at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Paris. The US Open finalist only needed 55 minutes to dismiss the Serbian for his ninth consecutive victory.

Perhaps what is most impressive is how calm and composed Zverev has been while dealing with a whirlwind of stress off the court. Last week, in an interview withRussian sports website ChampionAt, the world No. 7's ex-girlfriend Olga Sharypova accused Zverev of domestic abuse. Sharypova, a former player from Russia, described a violent interaction in their New York hotel room during the 2019 US Open.

The 23-year-old had laid out the details on Instagram, but hadn't named the boyfriend until the interview. Zverev was quick to respond to the allegations on his own social media platforms.

"I very much regret that she makes such statements," he said. "Because the accusations are simply not true. We had a good relationship, but it ended a long time ago. Why Olga is making these accusations now, I just don't know."

The couple broke up last year.

After his win on Wednesday, Zverev was asked for further comments on the matter.

"Well, I'm here to play tennis," Zverev said. "So, you know, I have been doing that well the last few weeks. I mean, since the comeback of the season, and I want to continue doing that."

The 23-year-old is zeroed in on his game and it's definitely showing as he continues to post convincing wins before the season comes to a close. Zverev claimed both titles in Cologne, beating Felix Auger-Aliassime in the final of the first tournament and then taking out Diego Schwartzman in second one.

"Look, right now, as I said, I have said everything on my Instagram," the German said. "Yeah, there is nothing else I can add right now. I'm here. I'm here to play tennis."

Just before the domestic abuse allegations surfaced, Zverev found out he is going to be a father. His more recent ex-girlfriend Brenda Patea confirmed that she is expecting a child and that it is Zverev's. They broke up earlier this year and the 27-year-old said she doesn't intend to share custody.

"Together we will take care of the little person that is about to grow," Zverev said in his statement. "But, I don't want to say more in public about this private subject. I am sure that Brenda and I can manage it without the media involved."

For now, Zverev is staying focused on the task at hand and the upcoming ATP Finals, which he won just two years ago.

Zverev will next face Adrian Mannarino for a spot in Paris' quarterfinal round. He holds a spotless 4-0 head-to-head record against the Frenchman.