“Believe in the truth”
Start of trial leaves Zverev cold
25.05.2024, 12:41
The trial against Alexander Zverev begins during the French Open. The tennis pro is accused of physically abusing a former partner. The world number four is not worried, neither legally nor athletically.
Tennis pro Alexander Zverev has expressed optimism before the start of the trial against him on charges of assault. “Ultimately, I believe in the German legal system and I also believe in the truth,” said the Olympic champion at a press conference shortly before the start of the French Open this Sunday: “I believe that I will not lose this case. That is absolutely impossible. That is why I can play with confidence and I think my results have shown that.” The start of the trial against Zverev in Berlin is scheduled for May 31.
The 27-year-old does not fear any impact on his performance at the second Grand Slam tournament of the year. “If I thought about it, I wouldn’t play the way I do,” said Zverev, who won the Masters 1000 tournament in Rome last weekend and is also a contender for the title at the French Open. He will face Spanish record winner Rafael Nadal in the opening match.
The trial will start on May 31st during the third round of the French Open, and Zverev does not have to appear before the Tiergarten District Court in Berlin. Zverev is to pay a fine of 450,000 euros (90 daily rates of 5,000 euros each) for bodily harm. However, he denies the accusation and has lodged an appeal. This is why the trial is taking place. Zverev is accused of physically abusing a woman during an argument in Berlin in May 2020. The alleged victim is appearing as a co-plaintiff in the proceedings. Until a final conviction is made, Zverev is presumed innocent.
A total of ten trial days are scheduled, the last on July 19. At that time, the grass court classic Wimbledon, the third Grand Slam tournament of the year, will also be over, and the Olympic tennis tournament in Paris will be imminent.