‘I welcome the ATP investigation in the matter’: Alexander Zverev as ATP opens internal investigation into domestic violence allegations
Follow Us
Alexander Zverev
The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) has initiated an internal investigation into the allegations levelled by Alexander Zverev‘s ex-girlfriend Olga Sharypova. The particular instance which the ATP are investigating relates to the Shanghai Masters. It was part of an interview with Sharypova did with tennis journalist, Ben Rothenberg earlier this summer.
Following the announcement by ATP, world number four Zverev has come forth to welcome the move. The German went on to clarify, yet again, that he has not committed the actions he is being accused of. Zverev further adds that he had been requesting the global body to initiate an investigation “for months”.
“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 independent investigation for months. As stated before, I categorically and unequivocally 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,” the statement read.
“We have a responsibility to address the serious allegations raised against Alexander Zverev,” ATP CEO
The ATP received the findings of their independent safeguarding report which was commissioned earlier in the season. As part of this, an internal investigation has been opened on allegations around Alexander Zverev. The body went on to condemned any form of violence or abuse.
Massimo Calvelli, the ATP CEO, said in a statement: “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.”
The Independent Safeguarding Report, which is compiled by a team of experts, includes topics like “prevention, reporting and investigation of abuse, disciplinary measures, policy statements, event safety, training, information sharing, collaboration with other bodies of tennis and the appointment of dedicated safeguarding leads.“
Also Read: Why Novak Djokovic could be banned from the 2022 Australian Open
Stay Updated!
Anshuman Mahapatra
(1496 Articles Published)