Zverev to skip trial over girlfriend assault claims

German tennis star Alexander Zverev said Friday that he will not attend his trial for allegedly assaulting a former girlfriend, insisting he "believes in the German system".

The 27-year-old will instead remain in Paris where he will be taking part in the two-week long French Open.

Zverev faces trial from May 31 for allegedly assaulting his ex-girlfriend in 2020 having filed an appeal against a 450 000 euro fine ($475 300) handed to him in October over the alleged assault.

"I believe in the German system. I do believe in the truth, as well. 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," he told reporters on Friday.

"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."

Zverev has not been ordered to appear personally in court in Berlin, and can be represented only by his lawyers.

He is accused of "physically abusing a woman and damaging her health during an argument", according to the court.

The court did not name the plaintiff but Zverev's defence had named her in October as Brenda Patea.

Zverev has claimed his innocence and rejected the allegations.

In January 2023, the ATP, which runs the men's tennis tour, closed an investigation into allegations of domestic abuse against Zverev involving a female tennis player after finding insufficient evidence.

The ATP had opened the probe into Zverev in October 2021 following allegations made by his former girlfriend, Olya Sharypova.

World No 4 Zverev will on Monday face 14-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal in his first-round clash.