Alexander Zverev is battling in two courts this week, and the most important one is where he is not currently present.
Zverev's trial over accusations of physical abuse against her ex-girlfriend commenced on Friday, May 31st, in a Berlin criminal court. It was the same day he was hitting the practice courts in Paris, preparing for his third-round match at the 2024 Roland Garros.
The World No.4 's reputation is on the line. He remains innocent and has not been convicted. Zverev has reiterated his innocence and is confident of winning the case. He was issued a penalty order and fined 450,000€ last October for assaulting his former partner and mother of their daughter, Brenda Patea.
Zverev denied the charges and lodged an appeal, which has now led to an official trial. As Jonathan Crane of DW revealed, the trial took place in Berlin, Germany, on Friday, and the ATP star was not present.
However, he was represented by a capable legal team led by prominent criminal defense lawyer Alfred Dierlamm, who told the court that the alleged victim was only interested in Zverev's riches and using his name to elevate her popularity on social media.
Dierlamm also insisted they have relevant evidence in the form of witnesses and chat messages between the two that have not been heard or seen by the public.
The prosecutor denies the assertion that the trial is fuelled by money and established their side of the story, alleging that Zverev pushed her ex-girlfriend against a wall and strangled her with both hands, after which she had breathing complications and swallowing difficulties.
The trial was adjourned upon Zverev's defense lawyer's request that the rest of it be held behind closed doors so that they could protect the privacy of Mayla, who is Zverev and Patea's three-year-old daughter.
DW notes that the judges are considering the request, and a decision on whether to permit an in-camera hearing will be made on Monday.
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