French Open tournament director Amelie Mauresmo says the tournament’s policy is that “a player is considered innocent until a trial is finished” and therefore they didn’t see any reason why Alexander Zverev would be banned from competing at Roland Garros this year.
After Zverev was accused of domestic violence by his ex-girlfriend and the mother of his child Brenda Patea, the German tennis star had a penalty order and a €450k fine imposed against him by a court in Berlin. However, despite the verdict, Zverev maintained his innocence and contested the charge.
And on May 31st, Zverev’s hearing is scheduled to start in Germany. But since Zverev is allowed to just be represented by his lawyers, he was able to come to Paris for the French Open.
While Zverev didn’t have to miss the French Open because of his upcoming trial in Germany, some weren’t happy that the French Open didn’t take action and ban the world No. 4 from competing in the tournament in the same week he is scheduled to face some serious allegations.
Mauresmo on the French Open not taking any action against Zverev
“So far, our policy is that, as long as the trial isn’t finished and there isn’t a decision, he’s considered innocent and so that’s why he’s allowed to be part of the draw. And as far as the trial is concerned, we’re not going to comment on anything because the trial is happening so we’re going to respect that,” Mauresmo explained to Tumaini Carayol.
Asked tournament director Amelie Mauresmo about Alexander Zverev competing at Roland Garros despite his public trial for allegedly physically abusing his ex-partner beginning next week on Friday during the tournament. Her response: pic.twitter.com/vyH2rsLhqF
— Tumaini Carayol (@tumcarayol) May 26, 2024
Alexander Zverev © Getty Images Sport – Clive Mason
Meanwhile, Zverev said in his press conference that he was unbothered by the fact that his case would be taking place in the middle of a Grand Slam tournament.
“At the end of the day, I do believe in the German system. I do believe in the truth as well. I have to be certain that, you know, I do know what I did, I do know what I didn’t do. That’s, at the end of the day, what’s going to come out, and I have to trust in that,” Zverev said.
On Monday, Zverev faces Rafael Nadal in the French Open first round.
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