31 January 2023 , 14:34
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The ATP has announced it will not discipline tennis star Alexander Zverev despite allegations of domestic abuse against ex-girlfriend Olya Sharypova.
After completing an 'exhaustive 15-month process', third-party investigator Lake Forest Group (LFG) informed the ATP it was 'unable to substantiate' Sharypova's claims, which first emerged in October 2020. It was also unable to conclude Zverev had broken any of the ATP’s rules regarding On-Site Offenses or Player Major Offenses.
It's understood Zverev and Sharypova, both 25, were each interviewed extensively along with 24 other people, including 'family and friends, tennis players, and other parties involved with the ATP Tour'. The investigation also surveyed materials including photos, audio files and text messages, some of which were taken from Zverev's electronic devices and examined by a third-party forensic expert.
“The seriousness and complexity of these allegations required an extremely thorough investigative process and considerable resources," said ATP chief executive Massimo Calvelli. "It also required us to turn to specialist investigators, which was new ground for ATP.
"We ultimately believe the exhaustive process was necessary to reach an informed judgement. It has also shown the need for us to be more responsive on safeguarding matters. It is the reason we’ve taken steps in that direction, with a lot of important work still ahead."
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Tennis star Alexander Zverev has consistently denied all allegations of abuse against ex-girlfriend Olya Sharypova (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)Sharypova first went public with her allegations in Racquet magazine, where it was claimed Zverev had been physically and emotionally abusive over the course of their year-long relationship. The former detailed incidents in which she alleged Zverev had become violent and even punched her in the face, going so as to suggest she feared for her life.
Zverev adamantly denied the accusations, which he said were "simply not true" in response. While the ATP will not discipline the German based on LFG's findings to date, it did note the case could be 'reevaluated should new evidence come to light, or should any legal proceedings reveal violations of ATP rules'.
The ATP couldn't substantiate Olya Sharypova's claims of domestic abuse against ex-boyfriend Alexander Zverev (Emmanuel Wong/Getty Images)"From the beginning, I have maintained my innocence and denied the baseless allegations made against me," Zverev said in a statement. "I welcomed and fully cooperated with the ATP’s investigation and am grateful for the organization’s time and attention in this matter.
"This decision marks a third, neutral, third-party arbiter who has reviewed all relevant information and made a clear and informed decision on this matter in my favour. In addition to the ATP’s independent investigation, I have also initiated court proceedings in Germany and Russia, both of which I have won.
"I am grateful that this is finally resolved and my priority now is recovering from injury and concentrating on what I love most in this world — tennis. I want to thank my friends, family and fans for their ongoing support. We followed the long and difficult process and justice has prevailed."
Tuesday's announcement will give Zverev at least temporary respite following a tense period of uncertainty. The Hamburg-born talent made his major return at the Australian Open earlier in January, though it ended in a hugely disappointing second-round loss to American Michael Mmoh.
The former world No. 2 is due for a return to the French Open in May, the same scene where he suffered a horrific ankle injury last year that precipitated an early end to his 2022 season. The ATP has also announced a hiring process is underway to appoint a 'dedicated head of Safeguarding' to ensure all those involved in the world of men's tennis are safe from abuse.