Zverev to undergo trial after domestic abuse allegations by ex girlfriend

Listen to Story German tennis star Alexander Zverev is set to undergo trial after allegations of domestic abuse by his ex girlfriend. The hearing will start on May 31, BBC Sport reported. However, as per German court officials, he does not have to appear in person before the court. Berlin’s Tiergarten district court said that Zverev's trial is going to be an 8 day affair.

But there is a chance that the court may "theoretically" ask Zverev to appear later. "The defendant will, in principle, not have to appear in person because it is a hearing after he contested the penalty order," a court spokesperson was quoted as saying to BBC Sport. Back in November 2023, Zverev was handed a penalty order and slapped with a fine after the accusations came to the fore.

However, he pleaded not guilty and also lodged a complaint against the order. It means that Zverev is not guilty by law for the time being. During a tournament in Paris back in November, Zverev was asked about the trial, but he refrained from making any remarks. "I'm not going to comment on [the case] to be honest because there is a procedure still to come," Zverev said.

Earlier, Zverev’s lawyer said that a forensic report from a doctor in Berlin dismissed the evidence provided as "incomprehensible and contradictory". Schertz Bergmann, a legal firm, said that "serious procedural violations” were there while forming the penalty order. Bergmann also said that Zverev will try and prove himself innocent with the help of "all the means at his disposal".

Zverev is currently in Australia where he is taking part in the Australian Open at Melbourne Park..