Alexander Zverev will face a public trial in Berlin during the French Open.
The world No. 4 will still be competing in Paris and is part of arguably the most hyped-up first-round match at a Grand Slam in years, as he takes on 14-time champion Rafael Nadal on Monday.
But he will also be contesting allegations of assault against his former girlfriend. Zverev was previously issued a penalty order for bodily harm and fined £385,000 (€450,000).
What is the trial about?
In October 2023, a Berlin court issued Zverev a penalty order. In a statement, the court said: “The defendant is accused of physically abusing a woman and damaging her health as part of an argument in Berlin in May 2020.”
A district court also imposed a fine of 90 daily rates set at £4,400 (€5,000) each, totalling £385,000 (€450,000). The Berlin courts also confirmed that Zverev had “lodged an objection”. By contesting the penalty order, the case has gone to trial.
The Berlin public prosecutor’s office applied for a criminal order to be issued against the tennis star back in July of last year. After a proposal is made, the court must decide whether to issue the penalty order, as they did in Zverev’s case.
When is the trial?
The trial begins on Friday, May 31. It coincides with day six of the French Open, when the third-round matches will begin. If Zverev is still in the draw, the trial will clash with his participation in the tournament.
Will Zverev attend the trial?
It was previously confirmed Zverev would not have to attend court in person and that his lawyer could represent him. And the 27-year-old confirmed on Friday that he would not be present for the trial.
“No, I’m here,” he said when asked about his attendance at the trial. Asked if he was going to be in Paris for the remainder of the fortnight, he added: “Yeah.” It remains to be seen whether Zverev will attend if he loses at the French Open before the trial date.
What are the allegations against Zverev?
When Zverev was issued with the penalty order in October, the Berlin court issued a statement saying: “The defendant is accused of physically abusing a woman and damaging her health as part of an argument in Berlin in May 2020,” the court said.
In November, the complainant alleged that Zverev pushed her against the wall and choked her in an interview with Suddeutsche Zeitung. Zverev denies the allegations.
What has Zverev said?
When Zverev received the penalty order and fine last year, his lawyers said: “The procedure is scandalous, there can be no question of a fair, constitutional procedure. Mr Zverev will take action against this using all means possible. Mr Zverev rejects the accusation made against him. The allegations made by the complainant which alone form the basis for the penalty order, have already been refuted by a forensic medical report.”
