Alexander Zverev settles abuse case before French semifinal

League: Tennis


Posted on: 07 Jun, 2024 at 09:12 PM

Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports

Alexander Zverev reached a settlement in a domestic abuse case in a German court, announced Friday, the same day the No. 4 seed later won his match in the French Open semifinals.

The 27-year-old German's lawyers told Reuters that the case involving the mother of his child had been closed.

The Athletic reported the criminal case against Zverev was closed, and he agreed to a monetary settlement of 200,000 Euros (about $216,000). Three-fourths of the money will go to the state treasury, with the remainder to nonprofit groups, per the report.

"The process against Alexander Zverev was shelved today by the court with the agreement of the prosecutor's office and Ms. Brenda Patea," the player's lawyers said in a statement. "Alexander Zverev agreed to this ... in order to shorten the process especially in the interest of the child they have together. Alexander Zverev remains innocent."

Tiergarten District Court spokesperson Inga Wahlen told The Athletic the settlement is not equal to a court verdict.

"It is not a decision about guilt or innocence. One decisive factor for the court decision was that the witness has expressed her wish to end the trial," Wahlen said. "The defendant agreed to the termination of the case."

Playing in the semifinals at Roland Garros for the fourth straight year, Zverev defeated No. 7 seed Casper Ruud of Norway 2-6, 6-2, 6-4, 6-2, on Friday in Paris. Zverev is ranked No. 4 in the world and is still seeking his first Grand Slam title. He will face third-seeded Carlos Alcaraz of Spain, who defeated second-seeded Jannik Sinner of Italy on Friday, in Sunday's championship match.

--Field Level Media