Alexander Zverev's domestic abuse court trial: Scheduled dates, how French Open participation is affected & everything else you need to know

Alexander Zverev's domestic abuse trial is scheduled to take place in Berlin, starting on May 31, 2024. The German is currently in Paris, competing at the French Open.

Zverev's ex-girlfriend Brenda Patea accused him of choking her in their Berlin home in May 2020, while speaking to a German newspaper in 2023. The allegations have since become a talking point, with the 27-year-old being fined €450,000 in 2023.

Zverev appealed the fine, the trial of which will take place in Berlin's criminal court and will commence on May 31. Ten days have been set aside for the trial in May, June and July. The German need not be present during the trial unless asked by a judge to do so. Brenda Patea will also be giving her side of the story during the trial.

If Zverev wins his court case, he could be acquitted, but if the German is found guilty, he could face prison time. The German Criminal Code says:

"Whoever physically assaults or damages the health of another person incurs a penalty of imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or a fine."

Despite the allegations against him, Zverev's participation at the French Open has not been affected as of now.

Tournament director and former World No. 1 Amelie Mauresmo told the Guardian's Tumaini Carayol that he has been considered innocent as long as the trial isn't over, and a verdict hasn't been given.

"So far, our policy is that, 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.

"And as far as the trial is concerned, we're not gonna comment on anything because the trial is happening so we're going to respect that," Mauresmo said.

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Alexander Zverev: "I do believe that I'm not going to lose this procedure"

Alexander Zverev at the Italian Open

Alexander Zverev was asked if his upcoming trial was on his mind during his pre-match press conference at the French Open.

The 27-year-old replied that he isn't thinking of the trial because he believes in the German system. Zverev also said that he believes he won't lose the case.

"Not at all (on my mind). Because at the end of the day, I do believe in the German system. 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," Zverev said.

"That's, at the end of the day, what's going to come out, and I have to trust in that. Everything else is out of my hands. Not out of my hands, but I do believe that l'm not going to lose this procedure. There's absolutely no chance I am," he added.

Alexander Zverev has produced some good performances in the 2024 season, winning 28 of 37 matches. His best result came at the Italian Open, which he won for the second time by beating Nicolas Jarry 6-4, 7-5 in the final. This was his sixth Masters 1000 title.

The victory also took Alexander Zverev to fourth in the ATP rankings, surpassing Daniil Medvedev.

Apart from his triumph in Rome, the German also reached the semifinals of the Australian Open and the Miami Open, losing to Daniil Medvedev and Grigor Dimitrov, respectively.