Tennis chiefs launch Zverev probe

TENNIS tour chiefs have launched an investigation into domestic abuse allegations against Olympic champion Alexander Zverev made by his former girlfriend.

Last year former junior player Olga Sharypova accused the German world No.4 of physical and emotional abuse, claims rejected by Zverev.

More details of her claims were published in a story by online magazine Slate in August, prompting Zverev, 24, to issue a statement in which he “categorically and unequivocally” denied abusing Sharypova. He also launched legal proceedings.

One of the allegations referred to a purported attack during the Shanghai Masters in 2019.

The ATP, the governing body for the men’s professional tennis circuits, said on Tuesday that it had launched a probe.

“An internal investigation into allegations concerning Alexander

Zverev at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Shanghai in 2019 is currently under way,” the ATP said in a statement.

“The ATP fully condemns any form of violence or abuse and will investigate such allegations related to conduct at an ATP member tournament.”

ATP chief executive Massimo Calvelli said the allegations raised against Zverev were serious and the organisation had a responsibility to address them.