Alexander Zverev’s Domestic abuse trial Begins in Berlin

Alexander Zverev’s trial over domestic abuse allegations began in Berlin but was quickly adjourned after his lawyers requested that the complainant’s evidence be heard in private.

The German tennis star, currently ranked world number four and competing in the French Open, was fined 450,000 euros (£390,000) last October after being accused of physically abusing his former girlfriend.

Zverev denied the allegations and lodged an objection, leading to a public trial.

The hearing commenced on Friday, May 31, 2024, where Zverev’s lawyer, Alfred Dierlamm, pointed to social media posts made by the complainant shortly after the alleged incident, suggesting that the relationship between the couple was amicable at that time.

Dierlamm argued that the criminal complaint, filed more than a year after the incident, was related to a custody and maintenance dispute over the couple’s daughter.

The complainant’s lawyer, Michael Nitschke, countered by rejecting the notion that the trial was merely about money.

The court adjourned the hearing to consider whether the public should be excluded from hearing the ex-girlfriend’s evidence, with a decision expected on Monday, June 3, 2024.

Zverev, who is not legally required to attend the hearing under German law, was absent. He has advanced to the third round at Roland Garros without dropping a set, defeating Belgium’s David Goffin in straight sets.

Zverev has stated that the trial proceedings will not distract him from his goal of winning his first Grand Slam title.

Details about the case were released by the Tiergarten district court. According to the court, the incident occurred in May 2020, when Zverev allegedly choked his then-partner during an argument in the stairwell of a Berlin apartment building.

The complainant reportedly experienced shortness of breath and significant pain.

The Berlin public prosecutor’s office had issued a criminal order against Zverev on October 2, 2023, which included a fine of 450,000 euros. Zverev disputed the charge, resulting in the current trial.

The trial is expected to continue until mid-July, with the court sitting for seven days.