German tennis star Alexander Zverev has said he is ‘still smiling under his mask’ following recent allegations that he abused his former girlfriend.
Olga Sharypova has claimed that she was punched by the world No.7 during their time together and the two had a series of arguments. Speaking to Racquet Magazine she claims that Zverev tried to put a pillow over her face during one argument that took place at a New York hotel during the 2019 US Open. Sharypova, who has previously said she doesn’t want to launch legal action, said the abuse prompted her to attempt suicide.
Zverev has denied those allegations both in a statement uploaded to his Instagram account and then in person when questioned by the media at the Paris Masters on Wednesday. Following his loss in the final to Daniil Medvedev on Sunday, the 23-year-old said that everything was ‘great’ in what was a jibe at those who he says are trying to ‘take the smile off his face.’ Zverev didn’t specifically mention as to who he is referring to.
“I know that right now there are a lot of people who will be trying to wipe a smile off my face, but I’m still smiling under this mask,” said Zverev.
“Everything’s great on the court and off the court. Everything is great in my life, I’m going to be a father soon…
“Those who are trying (to wipe a smile off his face) can keep trying but I’m still smiling, you just can’t see under the mask.”
During the same week as the allegations, it was confirmed that Zverev would become a father for the first time with another former girlfriend. Brenda Patea told German media that she was pregnant with his baby, which was later confirmed by Zverev himself. Asked in Paris if he had sought advice from other fathers on the Tour like Roger Federer, he replied ‘No. I have my brother. That’s enough.’
Besides the off-court drama, Zverev still has one more tournament to play before his season comes to a close at the ATP Finals in London. An event which he won back in 2018. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament will be the latest to take place behind closed doors. Something that also occurred in Paris and at the US Open.
“I’m playing quite okay without closed doors. I do miss the fans a lot but we all just have to be happy to be playing tennis and we all just have to be thankful for the opportunities that we get,” he said.
“Other sports don’t get them, and we do. So it’s great to kind of be playing.”
Zverev has won two ATP titles on the Tour so far this year in Cologne.
