Tennis Star Zverev Sues Journalist Rothenberg Over Abuse Allegations
As the U.S. Open kicks off in New York this week, a significant legal drama is unfolding far from the tennis courts. Ben Rothenberg, a distinguished tennis journalist, is entangled in a legal battle with Alexander Zverev, a top-ranked player in the sport. This controversy began four years ago and has now reached a critical juncture, with Rothenberg launching a crowdfunding campaign to finance his legal defense.
The dispute traces back to 2020 when Rothenberg, known for his incisive tennis reporting, interviewed Olga Sharypova, Zverev’s former girlfriend. Sharypova alleged that Zverev had subjected her to both physical and emotional abuse. These claims, which Zverev has repeatedly denied, were made public through Rothenberg's reports in Racquet magazine and later in Slate . The allegations painted a grim picture of Zverev's behavior, including accusations of physical assaults and emotional distress inflicted during their relationship.
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The revelations rocked the tennis world, but the response was less dramatic than the story itself. The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) issued a vague statement denouncing violence but did not address the specific claims. Despite the controversy, Zverev continued to compete successfully on the global stage, including winning Olympic gold.
The situation for Rothenberg has become increasingly precarious. Initially, his publisher supported his legal efforts, but as the case dragged on, financial backing was withdrawn. This has forced Rothenberg to fund his defense independently. To meet his legal expenses, Rothenberg turned to crowdfunding, setting up a campaign that quickly surpassed its $22,000 goal. He has pledged any surplus funds to the House of Ruth, a domestic violence shelter in Washington.
The legal complexities are significant. Zverev's lawsuit, filed in Germany, seeks to block Rothenberg’s reporting. German media laws, more favorable to plaintiffs compared to those in the United States, have put Rothenberg in a challenging position. His publisher, Racquet , has been dropped from the lawsuit due to procedural errors, but Rothenberg himself faces severe restrictions. He was served a cease-and-desist order forbidding him from disseminating or discussing the allegations further, under threat of imprisonment.
The legal battle has taken a toll on Rothenberg's career. Once a prominent figure in tennis journalism, Rothenberg now struggles with credentialing issues and access to major tournaments. The ongoing legal conflict and dwindling professional opportunities have made him question his future in journalism. He is contemplating a career change, reflecting on the instability and personal cost of reporting on high-profile figures.
The case is set to return to court in December, where Rothenberg's attorneys will argue that his reporting met the required standard of evidence under German law. Meanwhile, Rothenberg’s resilience and dedication to uncovering difficult truths have been recognized by his peers, despite the heavy personal and professional toll.
As this legal saga continues, the broader implications for journalism and press freedom remain significant. Rothenberg's struggle highlights the precarious position of freelance journalists and the often harsh realities of reporting on powerful individuals.
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