Tennis
journalist Ben Rothenberg once again takes aim at Alexander Zverev over
domestic abuse accusations. The tennis expert criticized the French Open for
permitting the German to participate in the tournament and even urged Wimbledon
to make a different decision if Zverev's trial has not concluded.
Zverev's
ex-girlfriend, Brenda Patea, filed a lawsuit in a Berlin criminal court in
October 2023, alleging that the tennis player physically abused her in May
2020.
Allegations against Zverev
The court
imposed a fine of nearly $500,000 on the tennis player without a trial, meaning
he could reach a financial settlement if he admitted guilt. However, Zverev
contested the court's ruling and appealed for a trial, maintaining his
innocence from the outset.
Zverev will
debut on Monday, May 27, in the first round against Rafael Nadal, while the
trial begins on Friday, May 31, the same day the third round of the tournament
is scheduled to start. However, the tennis player stated in a press conference
that his attendance will not be necessary on this occasion, and he will not
need to travel to Berlin to attend the trial.
During a
pre-tournament session, a journalist asked Roland Garros director Amelie
Mauresmo about the accusation against Zverev. The former world No. 1
Frenchwoman suggested that Zverev is considered innocent until proven guilty in
a trial, and therefore, he is still eligible to play: "As long as the
trial isn’t finished and there isn’t a decision, he’s considered innocent and
so that’s why he’s allowed to be part of the draw," she told the Guardian.
Zverev at 2023 French Open.
Journalist
Ben Rothenberg reacted to Mauresmo's statements via social media and criticized
the tournament's decision to allow Zverev to participate in the main draw
amidst domestic violence accusations: "There *was* a decision by the
courts in Berlin against Zverev for abuse accusations, a penalty order for
€450,000. Zverev chose to appeal that decision; that’s what this trial is,"
he wrote.
"…but
while that initial penalty order stands, Zverev should not be competing in the
sport, #Roland Garros or elsewhere. Similar situation as a player not to being allowed play after testing
positive for a banned substance until they are able to clear themselves at a
tribunal.”
"If
Zverev’s criminal appeal proceedings in Berlin are still not resolved by then,
Wimbledon can and should rule differently than Roland Garros and tell him to
stay away. His [Alexander Zverev's] present presence is a stain on the sport
and these enormous tournaments would be just fine without him," Rothenberg
added.
