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LONDON (Reuters) – Novak Djokovic said tennis authorities could adopt clearer policies on domestic abuse in light of allegations made against US Open runner-up Alexander Zverev by his ex-girlfriend.
The world number one offered his support to Zverev, who has repeatedly denied the accusations made by Olga Sharypova.
In an interview with Racquet magazine, Sharypova said that Zverev abused her physically and emotionally. He also stated that he has no intention of pressing charges against the German.
“We don’t know what really happened. I mean, obviously we’re going to find out,” world number one Djokovic told reporters after his 6-3 7-6 (4) win over Zverev at the O2 Arena on Friday.
“I’ve known Sascha for a long time since I was very young. I always had a great relationship with him. A very nice guy. I have a lot of respect for him, his family.
“I was saddened to hear and know that something like this is going on. I don’t know what happened. Of course, I mean, I’m obviously not endorsing any violence. So we’ll have to wait and see.”
Zverev of Germany has described the allegations as “unfounded and false” and without any legal investigation the men’s ATP Tour is unlikely to intervene.
The ATP said it condemns “any form of violence or abuse.”
“In circumstances where allegations of violence or abuse are made against any member of the Tour, legal authorities investigate and due process, then we review the result and decide on the appropriate course of action,” the men’s tennis governing body said in a release. week.
Djokovic was asked whether the ATP should adopt its own policy on domestic abuse, similar to that of American sports, regardless of legal procedures.
“Yeah, I mean, why not? It should probably be there instead. But I guess it didn’t develop and it wasn’t there because we just didn’t have cases like this,” said Djokovic, who used to be chairman of the players council of the ATP before resigning earlier this year to form a dissident association.
“I haven’t heard that maybe we had the best players involved in such cases. So maybe that kind of case will somehow inspire the ATP to do something like that.”
The world’s number seven, Zverev, said he had nothing to hide.
“The players know what’s going on,” the 23-year-old told reporters after Djokovic defeated him in his last free-for-all game on Friday.
“What else can I say? I have said everything I can. It is very unfortunate that these kinds of false accusations can cause so much damage and divert attention from the sport, but it is the world we live in now, unfortunately.”
“There is nothing else I can do.”
(Reporting by Martyn Herman, Editing by Pritha Sarkar)
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