A major ATP-sponsored independent investigation into the case involving Germany’s Alexander Zverev, accused of domestic violence against ex-girlfriend Olya Sharypova, has not found sufficient evidence to support published allegations of abuse. As a result, no disciplinary action will be taken.
Commissioned by the ATP in October 2021, the investigation looked into allegations of domestic violence made by Zverev’s ex-girlfriend. According to the organization, although the focus was on alleged abuses at the Masters 1000 in Shanghai in 2019, its scope also included alleged misconduct in other locations such as Monaco, New York and Geneva.
“The investigation was carried out by The Lake Forest Group (LFG), a third-party investigator led by Founder and Chief Executive G. Michael Verden and Jennifer Mackovjak, with more than 60 years of combined experience in the field, including in professional sports. The LFG was directed to conduct the investigation in a fully independent manner, with ATP’s external legal counsel, Smith Hulsey & Busey, acting as an intermediary.”
According to the governing body of the men’s circuit, the LFG conducted extensive interviews with Sharypova and Zverev and 24 others, including family, friends, tennis players and other stakeholders. There was also analysis of text messages, audio files and photos. This included materials voluntarily extracted from Zverev’s electronic devices via a third-party forensic specialist.
“Based on a lack of credible evidence and eyewitness accounts, as well as conflicting statements by Sharypova, Zverev and other interviewees, the investigation was unable to substantiate the allegations of abuse or determine what violations of the rules actually happened. As a result, , no disciplinary action against Zverev will be taken,” ATP explained.
