Alexander Zverev’s recent comments on sexism and domestic abuse has resulted in an investigation by the ATP governing body.
The 19-year-old German tennis player is widely reported to have been involved in a physical altercation with his girlfriend during a party at the Wimbledon championships. Zverev is said to have claimed his girlfriend pushed him down the stairs at their London home, though said he was upset by the photos published and argued that his girlfriend had grabbed his wrists.
“There were some unsportsmanlike photographs taken that may distort what actually happened,” he told reporters on Saturday. “… I hope that next time you will see the moment that both of us can relax a little bit.”
He later added, “You probably saw some different pictures that were taken at the party. The things that got leaked, they are very strange.… The bit that got leaked that I pushed her down the stairs is not true.”
Zverev said he would cooperate with the ATP investigation.
“Obviously, I’m really shocked about the whole situation, and obviously there are rules and regulations that I’m also part of, and obviously I have to follow those,” he said. “… I am really shocked by the whole situation and by the whole series of accusations that I haven’t heard any other player get accused of.”
His remarks echo those of French tennis player Gael Monfils, who made similar comments last year. Monfils said that women should be treated as equal to men when it comes to foul language and conduct on court.
Read the full story at The Guardian.
Related
Tennis star Martina Hingis apologizes for attacking reporter
Tennis legend Jim Courier responds to calling Kenyan woman ‘chicks’