Livescore
Alexander Zverev will face no disciplinary action from the ATP after an independent investigation found “insufficient evidence” to substantiate claims of domestic abuse.
The former world No. 2 was accused of physical and emotional abuse by former girlfriend Olga Sharypova in October 2021.
Sharypova claimed the now-25-year-old grabbed her by the throat and punched her during an argument.
The German Olympic champion denied the allegations when they were first raised, but the ATP launched an investigation following the completion of an independent safeguarding report.
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“A major independent investigation into Alexander Zverev has found insufficient evidence to substantiate published allegations of abuse. As a result, no disciplinary action will be taken by ATP,” the ATP’s statement on Tuesday read.
The ATP – the governing body for the men’s professional tour – explained that whilst an alleged incident at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Shanghai in 2019 was the primary focus of the investigation, alleged misconduct at locations such as Monaco, New York and Geneva was also referenced.
The investigation was run by third-party investigator The Lake Forest Group (LFG) and was led by private investigators G. Michael Verden and Jennifer Mackovjak.
“Following an exhaustive 15-month process, LFG submitted its full report to ATP,” the statement continued.
“Based on a lack of reliable evidence and eyewitness reports, in addition to conflicting statements by Sharypova, Zverev and other interviewees, the investigation was unable to substantiate the allegations of abuse, or determine that violations of ATP’s On-Site Offenses or Player Major Offenses rules took place.”
“As a result, no disciplinary action against Zverev will be taken by ATP.
“This determination may however be reevaluated should new evidence come to light, or should any legal proceedings reveal violations of ATP rules.
“Zverev has consistently denied all allegations and supported ATP’s investigation.”
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Zverev exited this year’s Australian Open following a second-round loss to Michael Mmoh earlier in January.
He is currently ranked as the world No. 14.
The Hamburg-born player is also nearing the end of a one-year probation, which was handed down by the ATP following a violent on-court outburst in Acapulco.
The German star repeatedly smashed his racket against the umpire’s chair after a doubles defeat at the Mexican Open.
The probation will finish on February 22 this year, one year on from the incident.
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