Tennis star innocent

Trial dismissed! Alexander Zverev breathes a sigh of relief

Alexander Zverev has achieved his most important victory off the tennis court.(Bild: AFP or licensors)

The trial against German tennis pro Alexander Zverev for alleged assault has ended on the third day without a verdict. The Berlin district court in Tiergarten discontinued the proceedings on Friday in exchange for a fine. Zverev must therefore pay a total of 200,000 euros. There was no conviction. Agreeing to pay a fine does not constitute an admission of guilt. Zverev is still considered innocent.

The public prosecutor's office, Zverev's defense and his ex-girlfriend as co-plaintiff agreed to this way of ending the proceedings. According to the court, both sides wanted to resolve the conflict peacefully.

Alexander Zverev(Bild: AFP/APA/Bertrand GUAY)

Zverev's lawyers issued the following statement: "The criminal proceedings against Alexander Zverev have been discontinued today by the court with the consent of the public prosecutor's office, Ms. Brenda Patea as co-plaintiff and Alexander Zverev's defence lawyer. Alexander Zverev has agreed to this discontinuation via his defense lawyer, solely in order to shorten the proceedings - above all in the interests of their child. Alexander Zverev is still considered innocent. The dismissal does not constitute a finding of guilt or an admission of guilt. The legal presumption of innocence remains unaffected."

Brenda Patea(Bild: AFP/Odd ANDERSEN)

Battle for the final
For Zverev, this unpleasant chapter ends just a few hours before his fourth semi-final at the Grand Slam tournament in Roland Garros. He will face last year's finalist Casper Ruud (NOR-7) (not before 5.30 p.m.) and hopes to reach the second Major final of his career.