Tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg has been caught up in a challenging predicament following his legal battle against Alexander Zverev. Rothenberg's publisher is not supporting his legal battles and the journalist is left to fend for himself. Fans were unhappy with the situation.In 2020, Zverev was accused of physical abuse by his ex-girlfriend Olga Sharypova. Rothenberg conducted two interviews with the Russian woman where she detailed her accusations. The first interview, in November 2020, was published in Racquet magazine and the second was published almost a year later in Slate.Zverev sued the two publishers and journalist Rothenberg in a German court. Rothenberg's legal costs were covered by Racquet until May this year when he wrote for 'Second Serve,' a Racquet competitor. In a phone call, Racquet informed him they would no longer fund his defense and he was left to fend for himself.This story was posted on X by Rothenberg's colleague Christopher Clarey.Fans were left disappointed with the proceedings."This is what a journalist stands to lose, when most in the sport didn't even have the courage to *gesture* toward the abuse allegations against Zverev," one fan wrote."This is genuinely very concerning and upsetting, journalism is an important job that is necessary for a functioning society and journalists shouldn't feel intimidated to tell these stories," another fan wrote."Can't stand Ben but investigative journalism is a thing I support and he seems to have paid a heavy price for it. Doesn't help anyone if there's no free press," a third fan wrote.Here are some more fan reactions to Ben Rothenberg's challenging predicament"The rich and powerful will always try to silence the truth, and Ben is one of the few tennis journalists willing to even ask tough questions. tragic," one fan wrote."Alexander Zverev wanted to "prove his innocence" about his 2nd abuse case by going to court, then settled it before a verdict, and went around saying he was cleared. Does he think we're idiots? I wish MORE journalists would dare ask the hard questions. Our kids deserve better role models," another fan wrote."Just appalling. On the part of Zverev and Racquet," yet another fan wrote.Ben Rothenberg launches a fundraiser to cover legal fees in his battle against Alexander ZverevAlexander Zverev. (Image: Getty)Ben Rothenberg launched a fundraiser to cover the legal fees that he will encounter in the battle against Alexander Zverev. The journalist took to X post about the fundraiser and wrote:"Thanks to the folks reaching out with words of support regarding my still ongoing legal battle with Zverev over my reporting from 2020, I really do appreciate it tons..."Further, he also mentioned that any funds that are raised and are not needed to cover his legal fees would be donated to House of Ruth, a nonprofit that helps survivors of domestic violence. He also revealed that the total legal fees are estimated to be around $20,000.