Davis Cup: Alexander Zverev comes to Trier relieved and focused
In the Davis Cup duel with Switzerland, Alexander Zverev wants to take the next step back to his old strength. The cessation of the ATP investigation against him should make this easier.
by SID/red.
last edit:
Feb 01, 2023, 05:55 pm
The stone that fell from Alexander Zverev's heart was probably at least the size of a tennis ball when this message reached him after 15 uncertain months: ATP is stopping investigations into allegations of abuse against the Hamburger, and no further action will be taken. The Olympic champion can fully concentrate on the Davis Cup duel with Switzerland, which begins on Friday.
"Right from the start I have protested my innocence and denied the unfounded allegations made against me," Zverev wrote on Instagram and thanked the professional tennis organization.
Now full focus on tennis
His ex-girlfriend Olga Sharypova publicly accused the 25-year-old of violent attacks in 2019. The external investigators acting on behalf of the ATP could not find any offense due to "lack of reliable evidence" and "contradictory" statements.
Zverev, who had always rejected the allegations as "defamatory and untrue" and supported the investigation, is now resolutely looking ahead. "I'm glad this is finally over. Now I'm concentrating on what I love most in the world - tennis."
Casual basketball match to get you in the mood
Full concentration on tennis, that means these days: Davis Cup in Trier. With the DTB team. Against Switzerland. On Friday and Saturday (sportbild.de/tennischannel.com) Germany is fighting for qualification for the final tournament at the end of the year - and high expectations weigh on Zverev's broad shoulders: "I hope that he will be the leader of the team and a very important one part for us," said team boss Michael Kohlmann.
In the casual basketball match with the team on Wednesday, it worked quite well, Zverev played the center and skilfully staged his teammates. The mood seemed to be great, including Zverev, who wants to take the next step back to old strength after his serious foot injury last year.
Germany needs fit Zverev
"I'm sure he's a lot further now," said Kohlmann, looking at Zverev's second-round exit on his Grand Slam comeback at the Australian Open two weeks ago. And the hopeful was also optimistic about the image: "I'm ready and fit, otherwise I wouldn't be here. I still had a few problems, but everything is fine now."
Against Switzerland, the DTB team will have to rely on a fit Zverev: Jan-Lennard Struff's absence due to injury hurts, and on the other side of the otherwise young Swiss team in Stan Wawrinka (37) there is a former Davis Cup winner: " He's a champion, a great tennis player," Zverev enthused, but was optimistic: "I'm sure we'll get the three wins."