Zverev repeats accusations are “unfounded, just untrue” as ATP issues statement

As Alexander Zverev enters the spotlight of the ATP Tour’s marquee season-ending event in London, he continues to stand by his initial statement concerning the accusations of domestic violence from ex-girlfriend Olga Sharypova.

But speaking on a Zoom conference ahead of the ATP Tour Finals, which begin Sunday, the 23-year-old German did expand upon that statement a little.

“We’re all here to play tennis. I’m looking forward to be playing, I really do, But in the last few days, as you know, the focus has shifted a little bit to the off court.

“Many people have asked me why I kept my mouth shut, why I didn’t say anything, about the accusations. While I very much regret that those accusations were made, I have to stick to my initial thing of them just being untrue, and continue to deny them.

ATP Tour finally issues statement

A few hours later, the ATP Tour issued a statement.

It comes some two weeks after the story first broke, and a week after Sharypova’s interview appeared in Racquet Magazine.

The statement, which does not name Zverev specifically, makes it clear that in the absence of a criminal investigation, it would not step in.

“The ATP fully condemns any form of violence of abuse. We expect all members of the Tour to do the same, and to refrain from any conduct that is violent, abusive, or puts others at risk.

“In circumstances where allegations of violence or abuse are made against any member of the Tour, legal authorities investigate and due process is applied. We then review the outcome and decide the appropriate course of action. Otherwise, we are unable to comment further on specific allegations.”

“Just unfounded, just untrue”

Zverev was looking down at his phone a fair bit, as he addressed the allegations of former girlfriend Olga Sharypova during a Zoom conference Friday.

“These accusations are just unfounded, just untrue. We had our ups and downs, but the way our relationship was described to the public is not how it was. That’s not who I am. That’s not how I was raised by my parents. And that’s not just simply who I am as a person.

“It makes me sad that the impact that such false accusations can have on the sport, on the outside world, on myself as well.

“I truly apologize that the focus has shifted away from the sport. We all love playing tennis. That’s what we’re here to do.”

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