Alexander Zverev has become a figure shrouded in controversy. Last October, a document by the Tiergarten district court in Berlin read that he’d been accused of “physically abusing and damaging the health of [his ex-girlfriend] during an argument in Berlin in May 2020.” Also issued a $488,00 penalty, Zverev contested the charge. And just a day before his first-round match at the 2024 Australian Open, the court announced his public trial would start on May 31. As that date gets ever closer, the German’s compatriot, Yannick Hanfmann, shared his thoughts on the subject.

In an interview with CLAY, Hanfmann revealed he thinks it would be wiser to hold off on discussing Zverev’s case until after the Berlin court makes a verdict. “He has a trial in May. And I think like, once he gets through that trial, whatever verdict may come out, I think that we have to respect that one. That’s a normal procedure… to wait if he’s guilty or not guilty,” he said. Moreover, he also discussed the wider ramifications of the trial on the tennis community.

“If he’s innocent, we don’t have to talk about it anymore, and we move on. If he’s guilty, we’ll probably have to remove him from the Council. And the ATP will have to do something,” added Hanfmann. Just two weeks before the Australian Open kicked off, Alexander Zverev was voted to serve on the ATP Players Advisory Council. Considering the pending charges against him, the ATP faced criticism after his appointment. It’s also important to note that this isn’t the first time the German has faced allegations of abuse.

Before Brenda Patea came forward, Olya Sharypova – another ex-girlfriend of Zverev – accused him of similar behavior in October 2020. In light of the widespread criticism surrounding his role in the Council, the World No. 5 addressed questions regarding the same. After his second-round victory in Melbourne, Zverev was asked if he thought it appropriate to remain on the Council following the court’s order. He replied, “Why would it not be?” 

He added how he has “no reason not to believe” he has support from fellow players. Unlike other sports organizations like the NBA and the NFL, the ATP doesn’t have a domestic abuse policy. While it did hire Andrew Azzopardi as its director of safeguarding in 2023, there’s no concrete policy. Considering this, one of the biggest unknowns surrounding this case would be: What would happen if Zverev is found guilty?

Hanfmann opened up about the possibility of Zverev “probably” being removed from the Council. Furthermore, Grigor Dimitrov, a member of the Council, acknowledged the 26-year-old’s election into the position. “I think everyone needs to sit down together and discuss all of that,” Dimitrov said. Although, like the others, he wasn’t sure of the intricacies of the case, he added, “It’s something that, if it’s needed, I guess we are all going to sit down and talk about it.”

While many ATP players have refused to comment on the case, a few WTA stars had some choice words for the ATP.

Swiatek and Kasatkina don’t think Alexander Zverev’s appointment was “the right thing”

Given the timing of the court’s order (considering Zverev’s appointment was just two weeks prior), many in the tennis circuit didn’t think ATP’s decision to let the German assume his role on the Council was right. When asked about it, World No.1 Iga Swiatek said, “I think it’s up to the ATP what they decide. For sure, it’s not good when a player who’s facing charges like that is kind of being promoted.”

Sloane Stephens speculated how the WTA would’ve handled the case. As a former member of the WTA Council, the American said,  “The ATP beats their own drum. They do what they do on that side. Would that happen on the WTA Tour? Probably not.” As for Daria Kasatkina, the Russian openly criticized the ATP, stating, “That’s what I expected, unfortunately. For sure, there is an issue. In general, if there is a criminal [case] or something, I don’t think it’s the right thing to promote a person.”

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With the trial starting on May 31, it’ll clash with the French Open. However, Alexander Zverev isn’t expected to be in court for it. Scheduled for eight non-consecutive days, a few sessions will also be held during Wimbledon. If need be, the World No.5 will be asked to make an appearance.

‘Trust in Women Has Already Been a Bit Broken’ – 25-Year-Old Alexander Zverev Blames Ex-girlfriend for Two Extremely Difficult Years