By Richard Pagliaro | Friday, February 3, 2023
Alexander Zverev said he welcomed an ATP investigation into domestic abuse allegations against him.
Zverev summed up his reaction to the ATP's decision in the case simply: "Justice has prevailed."
More: Djokovic On Course to Play US Open
Earlier this week, the ATP announcing Zverev will not be sanctioned over abuse allegations made by his former girlfriend.
The ATP said after a 15-month investigation into allegations by Olga Sharypova that Zverev emotionally and physically abused her during their relationship, it found "insufficient evidence" to support those claims of abuse.
"A major independent investigation into Alexander Zverev has found insufficient evidence to substantiate published allegations of abuse. As a result, no disciplinary action will be taken by ATP," the ATP said in a statement.
In his first public statement since that ruling, the 25-year-old German superstar said the ATP ruling is vindication.
“This decision marks a third, neutral, third-party arbiter who has reviewed all relevant information and made a clear and informed decision on this matter in my favor,” Zverev said in a statement.
“In addition to the ATP’s independent investigation, I have also initiated court proceedings in Germany and Russia, both of which I have won.”
“I am grateful that this is finally resolved and my priority now is recovering from injury and concentrating on what I love most in this world – tennis.”
It’s been a rough recent run for Zverev, who underwent surgery after tearing ankle ligaments in a horrific fall during the 2022 Roland Garros semifinals against Rafael Nadal.
The 2020 US Open finalist got off to a 1-3 start this season bowing in the Australian Open second round to American Michael Mmoh.
The former world No. 2 has slipped to No. 14 as he tries to find his form after the long layoff last season.
The Tour said an independent investigation conducted interviews with Zverev, Sharypova and "24 other individuals" and that inquiry did not substantiate abuse allegations.
As part of the probe, investigators reviewed Zverev’s phone and electronic devices.
"The investigation was carried out by The Lake Forest Group (LFG), a third-party investigator," the ATP said. "LFG conducted extensive interviews with both Sharypova and Zverev, and 24 other individuals including family and friends, tennis players, and other parties involved with the ATP Tour."
In its announcement the ATP noted Zverev has consistently denied all abuse allegations adding if any new evidence comes to light the ruling can be re-evaluated.
"This determination may however be re-evaluated should new evidence come to light, or should any legal proceedings reveal violations of ATP rules," the ATP said. "Zverev has consistently denied all allegations and supported ATP's investigation."
Olga Sharypova, Zverev's ex-girlfriend, alleges Zverev violently abused her during the 2019 Shanghai Rolex Masters tournament.
In her extensive interview with Slate.com, Sharypova said she and Zverev argued repeatedly in their hotel room on October 9th, 2019. The German told her not to attend his Shanghai match against Andrey Rublev, Sharypova said.
While Sharypova claims Zverev flew into a rage, punched and hit her, he tells a completely different story.
The Olympic gold medal champion said the abuse allegations are “simply not true.” Zvere has repeatedly denied any abuse took place.
Additionally, Zverev filed lawsuits against Slate in both Germany and the United States claiming defamation.
Previously, Zverev said he welcomed the investigation believing it would clear his name.
“Bloody finally, to be honest. I’ve been asking that myself for months now,” Zverev said after the ATP announced the investigation. “I’ve been asking that myself to do that since London last year because it’s very hard for me as you guys know to clear my name.
"And only with something like this I can completely. Because I have been in court in Germany, which I won the case against the author and the publication which the author is ignoring right now which I think will have a lot of consequences for him. But I asked myself for a very long time for this to happen.”
Photo credit: Getty