Cheers and joys erupted around the TD Garden Arena on Saturday after Alexander Zverev prevailed in what was a marathon clash at the Laver Cup which lasted more than two hours.
The world No.4 edged out John Isner to strengthen Team Europe’s lead in the tie as they seek to win the competition for a fourth time in a row. Immediately afterwards he was congratulated by his team mates which included the likes of Stefanos Tsitsipas and Matteo Berrettini. On the court there is nothing troublesome about Zverev and his game. However, some would say the German is the most controversial figure in the entire competition.
Despite the matches he plays or number of wins he achieves on the Tour, the allegations made by Zverev’s former partner continue to haunt him – whether he wants them to or not. It started more than a year ago when Olga Sharypova alleged she was physically and emotionally abused by the tennis star. Then just days before the 2021 US Open, a second interview was published by slate.com where she made further claims.
“When I got out of the shower, I was starting to take a towel and he came and said, ‘Pack your stuff right now and leave “I’m just like, ‘OK, can you wait a few minutes please? I’m naked here.’ Sharypova commented on one incident she said happened during the 2019 Shanghai Masters.
“He started to punch me, and this time I understand that I can’t be dough for punching.”
Although it is during the 2019 Laver Cup in Geneva that the most shocking statement was made. Sharypova says the abuse drove her to make a suicide attempt at that time. It was alleged that an official was called to help with the situation but there has never been any public confirmation or comment concerning this. The Laver Cup has done their best to avoid the situation but when they posted a quote on social media from Zverev, it prompted some backlash.
It is important to note that Zverev has never been convicted of domestic abuse and his former partner says she has no intention to take it to court. Sharypova said her goal was to bring awareness about the issue. On multiple occasions Zverev has said the comments are untrue and he ‘categorically denies’ them. It is understood that his legal team in Germany tried to prevent the publication of the Slate interview but details of that case are not publicly known.
Whilst there has been no conviction, Zverev continues to face awkward and tough situations. During the first day of this year’s Laver Cup, Denis Shapovalov said he heard Zverev saying that Team World’s win in the doubles will be the last point they win in the tie. Prompting a fierce response from John McEnroe and his team who were heard speaking about the comment.
McEnroe: “Fuck this guy.”
Isner: “He said that? Fuck him…”
Schwartzman: “What did he say?”
McEnroe: “He said that’s the last point we’re gonna win.”
Opelka: “He also said he’s innocent.”
McEnroe: “Yeah, good point.”
Opelka’s remark was in reference to the allegations made against Zverev.
Meanwhile, prestigious TV presenter and former player Mary Carillo reportedly quit her broadcasting role during the Laver Cup due to Zverev due to what she describes as ‘whitewashing.’ Carillo’s comment was first reported by Ben Rothenberg who is the journalist that spoke with Sharypova.
“In the end, I just felt like I’d be complicit in the whitewashing of very serious allegations. I couldn’t be part of it.” She said.
As for the Laver Cup, they find themselves between a rock and a hard place. Zverev is one of the best players in the world so to exclude him from the event without having evidence proving that he has committed domestic abuse could be a legal nightmare. However, brushing such allegations under the carpet is also damaging to their reputation. Some social media users said they have been blocked by the tournament when mentioning Sharypova’s comments on their posts.
Clearly there is no easy way out when something as serious as this arises. The only hope is that whatever happens in the future the truth will prevail.
