Alexander Zverev’s Allegations: The Trouble Is More With The ATP Than The Player, For Now - UBITENNIS
Connect with us

ATP

Alexander Zverev’s Allegations: The Trouble Is More With The ATP Than The Player, For Now

Published

on

“I feel like everybody is thinking the same right now.” 

This is what Daria Kasatkina wrote on social media following Daniil Medvedev’s epic win over Alexander Zverev on Friday.

The women’s world No.13 never elaborated on what she meant but many guessed it was linked to the prospect of a player accused of committing wrongdoing winning the Australian Open. Zverev has battled valiantly throughout the tournament and produced some of his best tennis against Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals. The German did this whilst avoiding questions about a subject that his peers also didn’t want to get into

It began on October 23rd 2023 when the tennis star was ordered to pay $475,000 to the court concerning domestic abuse allegations his former partner, Brenda Patea. Under German law, such fines can be issued without trial if the judge deems there to be sufficient evidence. However, Zverev has refused to accept that finding and instead plans to contest the allegations in a trial to prove his innocence. Coincidentally that trial is scheduled to start on May 31st which is during this year’s French Open.

Many have called for Zverev to be suspended from the Tour amid the allegations but he hasn’t been. The reason why is perhaps a bit confusing if you look at the ATP rule book, which gives the ATP Member Fines Committee the power to do so.

“A player, or related person, charged with a violation of a criminal or civil law of any jurisdiction may be deemed by virtue of such charge to have engaged in conduct contrary to the integrity of the Game of Tennis and the ATP Members Fines Committee may provisionally suspend such player, or related person, from further participation in ATP tournaments pending a final determination of the criminal or civil proceeding.” The rules state. 

Then again this is the same rule book which can technically fine players who comment on Zverev’s ongoing allegations. Section 8:03 states ‘public comments that one of the stated persons above (includes players) knows, or should reasonably know, will harm the reputation or financial best interests of a tournament, player, sponsor, official or ATP are expressly covered by this section.’ So players find themselves between a rock and a hard place. 

Such a serious allegation of domestic abuse can’t be taken lightly. In the UK one government survey estimated that 2.1 million people aged 16 years and over experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2023 but less than 52,000 persecutions took place during that same period. Is it for this reason why some might question the ATP’s silence on the matter. Surely they would want to clarify their stance? 

It is important to note that Zverev could be entirely innocent. After all, without seeing the full facts it is impossible to come to a conclusion. However, this isn’t the first time he has been involved in such an incident.

A few years back another former partner, Olga Sharypova, claimed that she was physically and mentally abused by the tennis star. One allegation was that Zverev abused her during their stay at the 2019 Shanghai Masters. This prompted a 15-month ATP investigation which eventually concluded that there was ‘insufficient evidence to substantiate the claims.’ Zverev was allowed to play throughout the investigation. 

Unlike Patea, Sharypova didn’t take any legal action against her former partner. 

Zverev has always denied any wrongdoing concerning both of those allegations. He is visibly frustrated when asked about the topic. However he should expect such questioning considering what he has been accused of by two different people. 

“I have said it before, anyone who has a semi-decent IQ level understands what’s going on. I hope that most of you guys do. I’m fine with it,” he said following his loss Medvedev.

It seems as if Zverev believe he is the victim in all of this. The best thing to do is to see what the Berlin criminal court concludes before saying any more about that. 

As for the ATP, they need to implement a clearer framework when it comes to their players being accused of wrongdoing. Of if they already have this in place, communicate it more efficiently to the public. 

This article wasn’t written to say that Zverev is guilty or innocent. However, it does highlight areas the sport as a whole needs to work on. 

ATP

Wrist Injury Threatening To End Holger Rune’s Olympic Dream

Published

on

Holger Rune will have a second medical opinion on Monday before deciding if he is fit enough to play at the Olympic Games, according to his team. 

The Danish world No.17 recently retired from his quarter-final match at the Hamburg Open due to a knee injury. The hope at the time was that his withdrawal would be just a precautionary measure ahead of the Olympics. However, he is also dealing with a second issue that appears to be more serious.

According to TV 2 Sport, Rune has been struggling with a wrist issue and underwent a scan on Sunday which his mother Aneke says ‘doesn’t look promising.’ Aneke is also the manager of her son’s career. Rune’s Olympic dreams now rest on the outcome of a second medical expert that he will visit tomorrow who has a better understanding of the sport. 

“Unfortunately, it does not look promising after the first medical opinion after the review of the scan of the wrist,” Aneke Rune told TV 2 Sport.

“We are waiting for two tennis-specific doctors who will give a second opinion tomorrow (Monday). Tennis wrists look different from regular wrists, so we’ll hold out hope for one more day.” 

Rune is one of three Danish players entered into the Olympic tennis event along with Caroline Wozniacki and Clara Tauson. The country has only won one medal in tennis before which was at the 1912 Games when Sofie Castenschiold won silver in the women’s indoor singles event. 

So far this season, the 21-year-old has won 27 matches on the Tour but is yet to claim a title. He reached the final of the Brisbane International and then the semi-finals of three more events. In the Grand Slams, he made it to the fourth round of the French Open and Wimbledon. 

It is not known when a final decision regarding Rune’s participation in Paris will be made.

Continue Reading

ATP

Hubert Hurkacz Undergoes ‘Knee Procedure’ Ahead of Olympic Bid

Published

on

Poland’s top player on the ATP Tour is not giving up on his dream of winning a medal at the Olympic Games despite recently undergoing a medical procedure.

World No.7 Hubert Hurkacz suffered a knee injury during his second round clash at Wimbledon against France’s Arthur Fils. In the fourth set tiebreak of their clash, Hurkacz dived for a shot but landed badly on his knee and required on-court medical attention. He then played two more points before retiring from the match. 

In a social media post published on Wednesday, the  27-year-old confirmed he underwent a procedure on his knee earlier this week but didn’t provide any further details.  Although Hurkacz has stated his intention to play at the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, where the tennis event will be held on the clay at Roland Garros. 

“I had a knee procedure this Monday, but I’m feeling better already and my team and are dedicating extensive time each day to the rehab process.” He wrote on Instagram. 

“It’s a dream for every athlete to represent their country at the Olympics, and I want to make sure I am fully fit and ready before making the final decision to step on court. The aim is not only to participate, but to win a medal for my country.”

So far this season Hurkacz has won 34 out of 48 matches played on the Tour. He won the Estoril Open in April and was runner-up to Jannik Sinner in Halle. 

The Olympic tennis event is scheduled to begin a week Saturday on July 27th. Poland is yet to win a medal in the event but expectations are high with women’s No.1 Iga Swiatek also taking part. 

Continue Reading

ATP

Motivation, Pressure And Expectations – Novak Djokovic Targets History At Wimbledon

Published

on

image via x.com/wimbledon

Novak Djokovic has broken numerous records throughout his career but he still feels the pressure of trying to make history in the sport. 

The world No.2 is through to his 10th Wimbledon final where he will play Carlos Alcaraz, who beat him at this stage of the tournament 12 months ago. There is plenty on the line for the Serbian who could equal Roger Federer’s record for most men’s titles won at SW19 and break the overall record for most major singles won in the sport if he triumphs over the Spaniard. Djokovic currently has 24 Grand Slam trophies to his name which is the same as Margaret Court, who won some of her titles before the Open Era started. 

“Obviously I’m aware that Roger [Federer] holds eight Wimbledons. I hold seven. History is on the line.” Djokovic said on Friday after beating Lorenzo Musetti.

“Also, the 25th potential Grand Slam. Of course, it serves as a great motivation, but at the same time it’s also a lot of pressure and expectations.”

Coming into Wimbledon, there had been doubts over Djokovic’s form after he underwent surgery to treat a knee injury he suffered at the French Open. However, he has defied the odds to reach the final. His run has also seen him beat Alexi Popyrin and Holger Rune before getting a walkover in the quarter-finals from Alex de Minaur, who sustained an injury during the tournament. Then on Friday, he overcame a spirited Musetti in three sets. 

Despite the challenge, Djokovic has insisted that his expectations to do well are always high no matter what the situation is. During what has been a roller-coaster first six months of the season, he is yet to win a title this year or beat a player currently ranked in the top 10. Although he will achieve both of these if her beats Alcaraz on Sunday. 

“Every time I step out on the court now, even though I’m 37 and competing with the 21-year-olds, I still expect myself to win most of the matches, and people expect me to win, whatever, 99% of the matches that I play.” He said.

“I always have to come out on the court and perform my best in order to still be at the level with Carlos [Alcaraz] or Jannik [Sinner] or Sascha [Zverev] or any of those guys, Daniil [Medvedev]. 

“This year hasn’t been that successful for me. It’s probably the weakest results the first six months I’ve had in many years. That’s okay. I had to adapt and accept that and really try to find also way out from the injury that I had and kind of regroup.”

Djokovic hopes that a Wimbledon win will help turn his season around like it has done in the past for him. 

“Wimbledon historically there’s been seasons where I wasn’t maybe playing at a desired level, but then I would win a Wimbledon title and then things would change.” He commented.

“For example, that was the case in 2018 when I had elbow surgery earlier in the year, dropped my rankings out of top 20, losing in fourth round of Australian Open, I think it was quarters of Roland-Garros, and just not playing the tennis that I want to play. Then I won Wimbledon and then won US Open and then later on became No.1 very soon.”

Meanwhile, 21-year-old Alcaraz is hoping to stop Djokovic in his tracks. Should he defend his title at Wimbledon, he would become the first player outside the Big Three to do so since Pete Sampras more than 20 years ago. He has won their only previous meeting on the grass but trails their head-to-head 3-2. 

“I’m sure he knows what he has to do to beat me,” said Alcaraz.

“But I’m ready to take that challenge and I’m ready to do it well.”

When the two players take to the court to play in the Wimbledon final, Djokovic will be 15 years and 348 days older than Alcaraz. Making it the largest age gap in a men’s Grand Slam final since the 1974 US Open. Whoever is victorious will receive £2,700,000 in prize money. 

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending