Alexander Zverev says he never wants to speak about allegations that he assaulted his former girlfriend after resolving their dispute in an out-of-court settlement.
Last October the world No.4 was hit with a penalty order and fine of 450,000 euros for allegedly ‘physically abusing a woman and damaging her health during an argument.‘ The woman in the case was Brenda Patea, who is the mother of his child. The incident was claimed to have happened in Berlin when the two were staying at an Airbnb. Zverev challenged the order in court with the trial starting during this year’s French Open. However, on Friday the judge confirmed proceedings had been discontinued due to an agreement made between the parties outside of the court. Under German law, such settlements can’t be made without the approval of the public prosecutor.
“I told you so from the start. I told everybody. I’m happy that it’s over,” Zverev said in his press conference after beating Casper Ruud in the semi-finals.
“Yeah, nothing else more to say. That’s it. Four years. I’m happy about that.”
Questioned about the issue by another journalist, Zverev was asked if he had any reservations about reaching a settlement instead have the opportunity to prove his innocence in court. A viewpoint he strongly disagreed with.
“That’s what dropping the case is. That is innocence. They’re not going to drop the case if you’re guilty at the end of the day. I don’t know what translations you have, but that’s what it means.” He replied.
“Done. We move on. I never ever want to hear another question about the subject again. That goes out to everybody (all journalists).”
Zverev has agreed to pay a court fee of €200,000 ($218,000) but none of that will be going to his former partner. €150,000 will go to the state and the other €50,000 will be given to charitable causes.
Zverev will play Carlos Alcaraz in the French Open final on Sunday where he will be bidding to claim his first Grand Slam title.
