The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) has started its investigation into the allegations of domestic abuse levelled by Alexander Zverev’s former girlfriend Olga Sharypova against the Olympic champion.
“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,” ATP CEO Massimo Calvelli said in a statement issued by the tour.
“We understand Zverev welcomes our investigation and acknowledge that he has denied all allegations.”
The 24-year-old Zverev has “categorically and unequivocally” denied having abused Sharypova and said on Aug. 27 that his lawyers had initiated legal action against the author of the allegations.
“I have always been in full support of the creation of an ATP domestic violence policy,” Zverev said in a statement on Monday. “Moreover, I welcome the ATP investigation in the matter and have been asking the ATP to initiate an independent investigation for months.
The tour also said Monday it has received what it called an “independent safeguarding report,” saying it is “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.”
The ATP said it will “evaluate the report’s recommendations to identify immediate next steps … relating to all matters of abuse, including domestic violence.”
“As an organisation we recognise the need to be doing more to ensure everyone involved in professional tennis feels safe and protected,” the ATP’s Calvelli said.
Online magazine Slate, that published Sharypova’s interview, issued a statement saying it stood by its “fair and accurate reporting”.
