The former girlfriend of world No 9 Alexander Zverev has spoken publicly for the first time about the alleged violent argument that led to Zverev being fined £392,000 by a Berlin court this week.
Brenda Patea, who is also the mother of Zverev’s child, gave an interview to German newspaper Suddeitsche Zeitung. She alleged that, in May 2020, Zverev had pushed her against the wall of their Airbnb apartment in Berlin and choked her during an argument. According to SZ, “She then had pain in the throat and neck area and difficulty swallowing.”
Zverev denies the allegations, telling reporters on Wednesday that “I think it’s complete bulls—. Anybody that has a semi-standard IQ level knows what this is all about.” Zverev’s lawyers have contested the fine, which means that the case is now expected to go to trial.
In the interview, Patea said that she had waited a year after the incident before she filed charges against Zverev, because of “a mixture of shame, fear of Zverev’s lawyers and concern for the child”.
She also accused Zverev of being jealous during their relationship and regularly checking her phone for evidence of infidelity. The SZ article alleged that “sometimes just one wrong like on Instagram was enough. His anger repeatedly turned into physical violence against her.”
Patea said that she had contacted Olya Sharypova, another former girlfriend of Zverev, who has also previously accused him of domestic abuse. The Association of Tennis Professionals commissioned an extended investigation into Sharypova’s allegations in 2021, but eventually closed it down in January of this year, citing insufficient evidence to proceed.
As a tennis player, Zverev’s 2023 season probably has one more tournament left in it. He suffered a straight-sets defeat in Paris on Thursday at the hands of Stefanos Tsitsipas, but is still highly likely to qualify for the ATP Finals in Turin, which start on Nov 12.
Sophie Anderson, a UK-based writer, is your guide to the latest trends, viral sensations, and internet phenomena. With a finger on the pulse of digital culture, she explores what’s trending across social media and pop culture, keeping readers in the know about the latest online sensations.
