Tennis Olympic champion Alexander Zverev denied the allegation of bodily harm made against him for the first time and publicly defended himself against it.
“I completely reject these allegations. My lawyers will take care of the matter,” said the 26-year-old on Monday at the ATP tournament in his native city of Hamburg.
On July 7, the Berlin public prosecutor’s office applied for a penalty order based on this allegation. The allegedly injured person is Zverev’s ex-partner Brenda Patea.
In a statement, the Tiergarten District Court expressly referred to the presumption of innocence for Zverev.
Quick reunion with Alex Molcan
The local hero will take part in the sporting events for the first time on Tuesday at the event, which is endowed with 630,000 euros. In his opening match, Zverev meets Slovakian Alex Molcan for the third time within a few weeks.
The number four seeded professional had the upper hand both at the French Open in Paris and last week in Bastad, Sweden.
Should the world number 19. remain victorious again, it would come to a German duel against Maximilian Marterer or Rudolf Molleker, both are wildcard in the first round. A possible opponent of Zverev in the semifinals could be the top seeded Norwegian Casper Ruud.
Long-awaited return to Hamburg
Zverev is back at Rothenbaum for the first time since 2019. At that time, just like when he made his debut as a 17-year-old in 2014, he had reached the semi-finals: “This tournament will always be a piece of home. After all, I grew up around the corner.”
Even before his first match on Center Court, the tennis pro was available for a meet and greet with his Alexander Zverev Foundation.
In cooperation with the Asklepios clinics, 25 children suffering from type 1 diabetes were invited to the tennis courts at Rothenbaum in Hamburg. Zverev has suffered from this incurable disease since childhood.