Tennis

Alexander Zverev denies domestic abuse accusation by ex-girlfriend

Alexander Zverev again denied accusations of domestic abuse made by a former girlfriend who said the German tennis player tried to strangle her with a pillow before last year's U.S. Open.

Olga Sharypova says she feared for her life during alleged attack

Alexander Zverev, seen here on Oct. 25, says he's just focused on playing tennis after his ex-girlfriend accuses him of domestic violence. (Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

Alexander Zverev again denied accusations of domestic abuse made by a former girlfriend who said the German tennis player tried to strangle her with a pillow before last year's U.S. Open.

Zverev was asked about Olga Sharypova's accusation on Wednesday following his second-round win against Miomir Kecmanovic at the Paris Masters tournament.

"I have said everything on my Instagram. There is nothing else I can add right now. I'm here to play tennis. I mean, the relationship, as I said, has been over for a very long time," Zverev said. "I'm enjoying my time on court. I have said everything. They (the allegations) are not true, and there is nothing more I can say right now."

Last week, Olga Sharypova gave an interview to a Russian sports website in which she alleged the strangulation attempt and that Zverev also hit her head against a wall at a New York hotel before the tournament, saying she feared for her life.

Another ex-girlfriend, Brenda Patea, recently announced she is pregnant with Zverev's child, which the German confirmed on Twitter.

Zverev did not mention Patea or the pregnancy when he answered a question about how he could stay so focused on playing, given everything that has been happening off the court.

"Well, I'm here to play tennis. So, you know, I have been doing that well the last few weeks. I mean, since the comeback (restart) of the season, and I want to continue doing that," Zverev said after winning 6-2, 6-2 against Kecmanovic. "As you said, there is obviously a little bit of things going on. There is some very good news, I think."

Add some “good” to your morning and evening.

Get up to speed on what's happening in sports. Delivered weekdays.

...

The next issue of The Buzzer will soon be in your inbox.

Discover all CBC newsletters in the Subscription Centre.opens new window

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Google Terms of Service apply.