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Alexander Zverev to stand trial in May for alleged abuse after appealing penalty order

The May 31 start date falls during Roland Garros, but the 2020 US Open finalist is not mandated to personally appear.

ByTENNIS.com

Published Jan 15, 2024

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On Tuesday, Alexander Zverev will launch his Australian Open campaign. But come Roland Garros, he will have two courts to contend with.

Last October, Zverev was handed down a €450,000 fine by a German court and issued a penalty order—where a trial was deemed unnecessary—in a physical abuse case brought forth by ex-girlfriend Brenda Patea.

With Zverev denying the allegations and subsequently appealing the decision, a trial was ordered. His legal team declared the process as "scandalous."

On Monday, Deutsche Welle (DW) reported that the hearing is set to take place in May.

In March 2022, Zverev was put on probation for one year by the ATP as a result of the aggressive misconduct he directed at a chair umpire in Acapulco following a doubles defeat (he was later withdrawn from the singles event).

In March 2022, Zverev was put on probation for one year by the ATP as a result of the aggressive misconduct he directed at a chair umpire in Acapulco following a doubles defeat (he was later withdrawn from the singles event).

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Roland Garros, the second of four majors on the tennis calendar, is set to begin its main draw on May 26. Zverev returned to the semifinals of the Paris Grand Slam event in 2023 a year after suffering a devastating right ankle injury in his final-four clash with Rafael Nadal.

Hours after DW's report, German press agency DPA reported on more specifics. The trial is slated to begin May 31, with eight days currently scheduled. Most noteworthy: Zverev is not required to be in court for the proceedings, as his lawyer can represent on his behalf.

The 2020 US Open finalist has twice been accused of domestic violence by former partners. Just under a year ago, the ATP concluded it was “unable to substantiate the allegations of abuse” in an October 2020 claim made by Olya Sharypova and closed its investigation barring any new evidence. The men's tour does not have a clear domestic violence policy in place.

Last week, the ATP announced that Zverev was among those elected to the Player Advisory Council. He opened his 2024 season by helping guide Germany to the United Cup title alongside Angelique Kerber and Laura Siegemund.

Editor's Note: this story was updated upon the publishing of DPA's findings