Alexander Zverev investigated over ex-girlfriend's abuse allegations

The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) has announced they will investigate the allegations made against World No.4 Alexander Zverev after his former partner made domestic abuse allegations.

In October 2020 former junior player Olga Sharypova publicly accused Zverev, the German World No.4 and reigning Olympic champion, of a series of assaults, to which he issued a blanket denial.

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An interview with Sharypova published in the American online magazine Slate in August contained new allegations, including that Zverev punched her in their hotel room during the Shanghai Masters in October 2019 and that, in desperation and for a second time, she injected herself with insulin.

Zverev has denied all allegations and has threatened legal action against Slate Magazine and leading tennis reporter Ben Rothenberg.

The ATP has been under heavy scrutiny for their lack of action around the matter, which has been continuously brought into the public's attention over the last few months.

But, the ATP finally announced they have a "responsibility" to investigate the allegations.

"The ATP fully condemns any form of violence or abuse and will investigate such allegations related to conduct at an ATP member tournament," a statement read.

Chief executive Massimo Calvelli said: "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."

Alexander Zverev welcomes investigation

Despite his blanket denial of the allegations, the Tokyo Olympics gold medallist welcomed the investigation.

"I have always been in full support of the creation of an ATP domestic violence policy," he wrote on Twitter.

"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."

The allegations against Zverev have appeared to cause ugly incidents over the last two months.

During the Laver Cup, his opponent Reilly Opelka commented: "He also says he's innocent", after some fiery comments between the teams.

Opelka appeared to be making reference to domestic violence allegations against Zverev, which again Zverev vehemently denies.

Zverev also caused outrage after a poorly-timed joke about not having a girlfriend at the US Open.

with AAP

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