Written by Staff Writer
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Alexander Zverev’s tennis career has just taken another huge step forward.
The 19-year-old German stepped out on the 2017 season-opening edition of the ATP World Tour Finals in London on Thursday night, and he emerged victorious in the first round of the tournament.
He also stole the headlines as he tackled a number of very personal issues, taking to social media to address claims by a former girlfriend that he assaulted her.
Former model Maria Paseka said on social media that Zverev called her “fat,” hit her and humiliated her, and that she had filed a criminal complaint in the Swiss city of Basel last year over the allegations.
“Thank you so much for all the support that I got this evening,” Zverev wrote on Twitter . “I never treated anyone the way I’m being (sic) accused of.”
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The organizers of the London event confirmed they are investigating the abuse allegations.
“The ATP can confirm it has received an in-person complaint regarding an incident that occurred last year,” the organization said in a statement on Wednesday.
“It will be thoroughly investigated. The ATP takes reports of alleged assault very seriously.”
David Ferrer, who defeated Dominic Thiem on Thursday night in the second round, also said he was aware of the social media posts and backed the teenager’s decision to publicly address the matter.
“I admire him for being an example like this,” the Spanish player told CNN. “It’s time for young people. I’m very sorry for what he said and what happened.”
Paseka confirmed she had filed a criminal complaint against Zverev in a statement to CNN but said she was no longer involved with the young man.
As well as the allegation of domestic abuse, Paseka also said Zverev hit her and blocked her friends from calling her.