"Alexander Zverev's presence is a stain on the sport" - Tennis journalist continues calls to remove German from French Open amid domestic abuse trial

Tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg has once again targeted Alexander Zverev over the domestic abuse allegations leveled against him by his ex-girlfriend Brenda Patea. Patea is a model and also the mother of Zverev's daughter Mayla.

In October 2023, Patea filed a lawsuit in a Berlin criminal court claiming being physically abused by Zverev in May 2020. A few days later in October, the court imposed a fine of $488,000 on the tennis pro without a trial. Zverev then challenged the court's ruling and appealed for a trial pleading not guilty.

The trial is scheduled to begin on Friday, May 31, amid the 2024 French Open, where Zverev is one of the contenders. He has drawn Rafael Nadal in the opening round and will clash with him on Monday, May 27.

In a pre-tournament media session, a journalist asked Roland Garros director Amelia Mauresmo regarding the World No. 4's admission to the tournament despite the domestic abuse allegations. Mauresmo suggested Zverev has been considered innocent until the case is closed, hence, he's eligible to play.

"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," she told the Guardian.

Upset over Mauresmo's statement, Ben Rothenberg took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote:

"There *was* a decision by the courts in Berlin against Zverev for abuse accusations, a penalty order for €450,000. Zverev chose to appeal that decision; that’s what this trial is."

"…but while that initial penalty order stands, Zverev should not be competing in the sport, #Roland Garros or elsewhere."

Rothenberg further urged Wimbledon not to follow the French Open's suit and bar Alexander Zverev from competing at the Championships.

"If Zverev’s criminal appeal proceedings in Berlin are still not resolved by then, Wimbledon can and should rule differently than Roland Garros and tell him to stay away. His [Alexander Zverev's] present presence is a stain on the sport and these enormous tournaments would be just fine without him," Rothenberg added.

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Ben Rothenberg Alexander Zverev's trial being downplayed: "Why all the other victrolas out there are so complicity quiet on this obvious issue"

A photo from the 2024 Italian Open. GETTY

This is notably the second time in less than four days that Ben Rothenberg has pointed his finger at Alexander Zverev ahead of the trial about to begin on Friday, May 31, in Berlin.

In another post on X, Rothenberg addressed his frequent practice of highlighting the issue and defended himself questioning the legitimacy of those who have been tight-lipped on the issue.

"Am I a broken record on this? Maybe. But ask yourself why all the other victrolas out there are so complicity quiet on this obvious issue," Rothenberg stated.

Alexander Zverev won't be required to attend the trial in person as he pays his professional duties at the Paris Major. Also, this is the second time he has been accused of inflicting physical harm on a woman. Another one of his former girlfriends Olya Sharypova had made similar allegations against him.