October 04, (THEWILL) – Following the conclusion of an Independent Safeguarding Report, the ATP has launched a second inquiry into allegations of domestic violence against Alexander Zverev.
Olya Sharypova, Zverev’s former girlfriend, claims she was subjected to domestic abuse by the former US Open finalist.
The investigation will centre on an incident in Shanghai during which Sharypova claims Zverev pushed her up against a hard-tiled bathroom wall and grabbed her by the throat. She claimed the incident was part of a pattern of abuse that began before the 2019 US Open and continued at the Laver Cup.
Zverev denies the allegations.
However, the ATP has announced that it will open an investigation into the Shanghai incident “to ensure all adults and minors involved in professional tennis are safe and protected from abuse”.
An official statement from the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) read, in part: “An internal investigation into allegations concerning Alexander Zverev at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Shanghai in 2019 is currently underway. The ATP fully condemns any form of violence or abuse and will investigate such allegations related to conduct at an ATP member tournament.”
Massimo Calvelli, the ATP CEO, said: “As an organisation we recognise the need to be doing more to ensure everyone involved in professional tennis feels safe and protected. The recommendations of the Safeguarding Report will help us approach this in a robust way. We are committed to making meaningful steps forward and know this won’t be an overnight process.
“The allegations raised against Alexander Zverev are serious and we have a responsibility to address them. We hope our investigation will allow us to establish the facts and determine appropriate follow-up action.
“We understand Zverev welcomes our investigation and acknowledge that he has denied all allegations. We will also be monitoring any further legal developments following the preliminary injunction obtained by Zverev in the German Courts.”
Below is the ATP statement in full:
“An Independent Safeguarding Report, commissioned by the ATP earlier in the season, has been completed. It represents a key element of the ATP’s overall safeguarding review to ensure all adults and minors involved in professional tennis are safe and protected from abuse.
“Compiled by a team of experts led by Chris Smart, former Detective Chief Inspector in the Metropolitan Police (UK), the report outlines a number of wide-ranging recommendations to ensure safeguarding is embedded across all aspects of ATP organisational activity. Topics covered include prevention, reporting and investigation of abuse, disciplinary measures, policy statements, event safety, training, information sharing, collaboration with other bodies of tennis and the appointment of dedicated safeguarding leads.
“ATP will now evaluate the recommendations to identify immediate next steps and develop a longer-term safeguarding strategy relating to all matters of abuse, including domestic violence.
“In parallel, an internal investigation into allegations concerning Alexander Zverev at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Shanghai in 2019 is currently underway. The ATP fully condemns any form of violence or abuse and will investigate such allegations related to conduct at an ATP member tournament.”
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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
