"Alexander Zverev's not innocent, he's already penalised";"Disgusting answer" - Fans react as French Open director rules out removing German from draw

Alexander Zverev being allowed to play the 2024 French Open despite an ongoing domestic abuse case has led to fans targetting tournament director Amelie Mauresmo. Her recent comments about the German's participation have added fuel to the fire.

Zverev was fined £390,000 ($488,160) by a German court after he was accused of physical abuse by his ex-girlfriend Brenda Patea in October last year. However, the German appealed the verdict, and a trial is set to be held starting May 31, 2024.

A report asked Amelie Mauresmo, Roland Garros' director, about the German's participation despite his ongoing court case. She responded that Zverev would be considered innocent until a verdict was given and refrained from commenting about the trial out of respect.

Fans took to X where they lambasted Mauresmo with one of the fans stating that Zverev was given a penalty which meant that he was considered guilty.

"They really do seem to ignore the fact that German judge has issued a verdict and penalty already. This trial is in fact an appeal of the verdict, he’s not considered innocent, he’s already penalised."

Another fan felt that Mauresmo's answer was disgusting and she needed to be reminded that it was the German who appealed the guilty verdict.

"what a disgusting answer. someone needs to remind this woman that the German judge not only issued a verdict but also a penalty. the fact that he is now appealing the decision doesn't make him innocent."

Here are some other fans angry at Alexander Zverev's inclusion in the French Open this year.

"Technically he was already found guilty by the German court but because he appealed it, here we are. But they had the same response when he was found guilty too" said a fan.

"Can someone let her know he received a penalty order, meaning he was literally charged by the Berlin court?" a fan questioned.

So if he loses the trial there will be consequences? Or this time it'll be typical "he got his punishment so we don't need to impose another one?" another fan questioned.

There were some fans who said that Alexander Zverev should be considered innocent until the results of the trial deemed him otherwise.

"I don’t like Zverev much but as long as it’s allegedly there can’t be any consequences such as excluding him from competition" a fan remarked.

"She is right. He is innocent until proven guilty and till that time he can play. Fair play" another fan said.

"Innocent until proven guilty - are you not cognizant of that?" a fan asked.

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"I do believe that I'm not going to lose" - Alexander Zverev on his trial

Alexander Zverev

Ahead of the 2024 French Open, Alexander Zverev sat down for a press conference where he was asked by a reporter if his ongoing case was burdening his mind. The German responded that he believed in the truth and was confident that the verdict would go in his favor. He said he had faith in the German system to do the right thing.

"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. That's, at the end of the day, what's going to come out, and I have to trust in that," Alexander Zverev said.

The World No. 4 said that his complete focus is on his game and reiterated his stance in the case. He also mentioned that he wouldn't have won the Italian Open if the case was weighing on his mind.

"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. So that's why I can play calmly, and I think my results have been showing it. Winning Rome is a big title, as well, and obviously being here and if it would be on my mind I wouldn't be playing the way l am," he added.

Alexander Zverev will play Rafael Nadal in the opening round of the French Open at court Phillipe-Chatrier.