Alexander Zverev insists that his forthcoming trial for domestic abuse will not affect his bid for French Open glory.
German world No.4 Zverev is among the favourites to win a first grand slam title at Roland Garros, despite landing a blockbuster draw against Rafael Nadal in the first round.
But his run to the semi-finals at the Australian Open was overshadowed when a court date was set for a trial over domestic abuse allegations, which he denies, and which is scheduled to begin in a week’s time.
“At the end of the day, I do believe in the German system,” said the 27-year-old, who does not have to attend the trial in Berlin.
“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.
“You know, everything else is out of my hands. Not out of my hands, but I do believe that I’m not going to lose this procedure. There’s absolutely no chance I am.
“That’s why I can play calmly and I think my results have been showing it. Winning in Rome I think is a big title, as well, and obviously being here. And if it would be on my mind I wouldn’t be playing the way I am.”
Zverev was handed the nightmare first-round draw in the shape of 14-time champion Nadal, who is unseeded due to slipping down the rankings following a lengthy injury absence.
The last time they played at Roland Garros, in the 2022 semi-finals, Zverev ended up having to retire with a serious ankle injury that sidelined him for six months.
“I can guarantee you Novak (Djokovic) didn’t want to play Rafa in the first round and (Carlos) Alcaraz didn’t want to play him, Jannik (Sinner) didn’t want to play him. I don’t want to play him in the first round – but it is how it is.
“Everybody now is excited for a tough battle and tough first round. I think he’s excited and I’m excited for it.”
Zverev thought his brother was having a laugh with him when he informed him of his draw after the German had been practising.
“I actually thought he was joking in the beginning. I mean, to be very honest, I wanted to play Rafa again in my career, in his career, because I didn’t want my last memory of me playing against Rafa to be me leaving the court in a wheelchair.
“Ideally, I would have liked to play him in the latter stage of the tournament. It’s a tough draw – but it’s a tough draw for both of us. We’ll see how it goes on Monday.”
With Reuters
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