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Zverev threatens legal action against abuse allegations' reporter

Alexander Zverev has welcomed an investigation into allegations of domestic abuse levelled agains...
Richie McCormack
Richie McCormack

20.44 4 Oct 2021


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Zverev threatens legal action...

Zverev threatens legal action against abuse allegations' reporter

Richie McCormack
Richie McCormack

20.44 4 Oct 2021


Share this article


Alexander Zverev has welcomed an investigation into allegations of domestic abuse levelled against him. 

The Olympic tennis champion has been accused of both mental and physical abuse by former girlfriend, Olga Sharypova.

Zverev denies the allegations, and has threatened legal action against journalist Ben Rothenburg - the man who first reported them.

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On Monday, the ATP confirmed an investigation into the abuse allegations - 11 months after they were first reported.

ATP CEO Massimo Calvelli said: "The allegations raised against Alexander Zverev are serious and we have a responsibility to address them.

"We hope our investigation will allow us to establish the facts and determine appropriate follow-up action.

"We understand Zverev welcomes our investigation and acknowledge that he has denied all allegations.

"We will also be monitoring any further legal developments following the preliminary injunction obtained by Zverev in the German Courts."

Sharypova's allegations were first reported in detail by journalist Ben Rothenburg in Raquet magazine.

In a statement on Monday night, Zverev said he's, "obtained a preliminary injunction against the publisher and the journalist of the false allegations which states, the accusations are defamatory and false.

"Nevertheless the publisher and the journalist are both in deliberate violation of this court order by refraining from taking down the reporting and continuing to push the allegations on social media repeatedly.

"My lawyers have initiated further proceedings."

At time of writing, Rotheburg's articles for both Slate and Raquet remain online

Alexander Zverev statement: 

I have always been in full support of the creation of an ATP domestic violence policy.

Moreover, I welcome the ATP-investigation in the matter and have been asking the ATP to initiate an independant [sic] investigation for months.

As stated before, I categorically and unequivocaly [sic] deny any of these allegations.

We have obtained a preliminary injunction against the publisher and the journalist of the false allegations which states, the accusations are defamatory and false.

Nevertheless the publisher and the journalist are both in deliberate violation of this court order by refraining from taking down the reporting and continuing to push the allegations on social media repeatedly.

My lawyers have initiated further proceedings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GOZeXcshqA&ab_channel=OffTheBall

ATP announces investigation into domestic abuse allegations against Alexander Zverev


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Alexander Zverev Ben Rothenburg Domestic Abuse Olga Sharypova Tennis

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