"Crucified Alexander Zverev", "Karma is a hell of a b**ch huh?" - Fans react to journalist "asking for handouts" amid legal battle with German

A tennis journalist's crowdfunding efforts for fighting a legal battle with Alexander Zverev has sparked criticism from fans. The journalist was the one who sent shockwaves across the world of tennis back in 2020, when a story written by him and later published made controversial domestic abuse allegations against Zverev.

The story features the account of Olga Sharypova, Zverev's Russian ex-girlfriend, who told journalist Ben Rothenberg that the German had abused him both emotionally and physically on multiple occasions.

Zverev, one of the men's tennis' most elite performers since 2017, has continued to face harsh criticism over the allegations, even though they remain unsubstantiated as Sharypova shied away from formally pressing charges.

Titled 'Olya's Story', the controversial piece of content was published on prominent tennis magazine Racquet. Rothenberg wrote an extension of the story, which was later published on Slate and fostered further criticism for Alexander Zverev. However, recently, the former World No. 2 and current World No. 4, filed lawsuits against Racquet, Slate, and Rothenberg.

The German court has granted the finalist of the 2020 US Open and 2024 French Open a preliminary injuction, ordering the stories to be taken down. Both Racquet and Slate were quick to comply with the court's orders, leaving Rothenberg in the midst of a legal battle with Alexander Zverev, which he seemingly has to fund from his own financial resources.

Recently, Rothenberg took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce that he had set up a crowdfunding page, also requesting his followers to chip in with what they can.

"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. If you are able to support my crowdfunding efforts in this case, the link is here (followed by the link)," Rothenberg wrote.

Fans were quick to take notice of Rothenberg's post, and proceeded to ridicule him, suggesting that what he is going through at the moment is self-inflicted.

"Don’t give this buffoon a f**king cent of your hard earned money. Ben deserves all he’s getting. He crucified Zverev for years based on hearsay, not evidence. Now he wants handouts because he lost his credibility and it’s all blowing up in his face? Get lost. Let him face his own music," a fan wrote.

"Karma is hell of a b**ch huh?" asked a fan, sarcastically.

"Imagine bringing this upon yourself then asking for handouts," another chimed in.

Others recalled how Rothenberg's allegations of racism led to ESPN sacking tennis analyst Doug Adler back in 2017. Adler would go on to suffer a severe heart attack in the weeks that followed his firing. However, in 2019, ESPN tried to make amends by paying Adler a settlement after a legal battle turned in the analyst's favor, with the allegations never having been conclusively proved.

"You never apologized for ruining the life and career of a real and serious journalist. I give my money to people in need, not to leeches. Say cheers to Doug," wrote one fan.

"Ben, you had Doug Adler fired from ESPN with racist accusations and he won his wrongful termination lawsuit against them. You've caused irreparable damage to players and people with your reporting through the years. I regret buying your book," stated another.

"Slanderer in chief Ben "Perez Hilton" Rothenberg begging for money," yet another fan weighed in, with the post featuring an image of an online forum where Rothenberg's allegations against Adler were discussed.

Earlier this year, Rothenberg had voiced his opposition against Alexander Zverev being allowed to participate in the French Open. The German's public trial in a Berlin court for allegedly assaulting ex-girlfriend and mother of his daughter Mayla, Brenda Patea, coincided with his run to the men's singles final at Roland Garros.

"Alexander Zverev should have been suspended from French Open 2024" - Tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg

Alexander Zverev (Source: Getty)

Alexander Zverev's public trial came to an end ahead of his 2024 French Open semifinal showdown against Casper Ruud. The German settled matters with Patea out-of-court, but there was little clarity on his innocence/guilt over the allegations.

After the former World No. 2's settlement with Patea, Rothenberg, who was firmly against the German participating at the French Open, maintained his stance on the subject, writing on X:

"I still think Zverev should've been suspended until this was resolved, that opinion hasn't changed. This was a real, horrible shadow over the tour and tournament. I am also conscious that Zverev's side might have wanted to clear this ASAP before he maybe wins a Slam on Sunday (June 9)."

Alexander Zverev is currently vying for his maiden Grand Slam title at the 2024 US Open, and is set to meet Frenchman Alexandre Muller in the second round after overcoming the challenge of compatriot Maximilian Marterer in his tournament opener.

Whoever out of Zverev and Muller wins, will face either 29th seed Francisco Cerundolo or Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the third round.