Alexander Zverev’s ex-girlfriend claims he ‘strangled her against a wall for days on end before proposing’ and ‘rageized when she moved his stuffed animals’… after world number 9 was fined almost £400,000 in an ‘abuse’ lawsuit

The former girlfriend of tennis star Alexander Zverev has claimed in a new interview that the world number 9 ‘strangled her during an argument’ and was a ‘jealous man’.

On Wednesday, Zverev received an order in a Berlin court to pay a fine of almost £400,000 for physically assaulting Brenda Patea, the mother of their child, and “damaging her health” during an argument in May 2020.

The German player has denied the allegations and has appealed through a spokesperson against the fine, which is likely to lead to a lawsuit.

A statement from his representative, Schertz Bergmann, called the punishment order “outrageous” and hinted that the player would take action “by any means necessary.”

Patea is said to have had a relationship with Zverev for less than twelve months between 2019 and the birth of their daughter Mayla in 2021.

Between 2019 and 2021, the former world number 2 and the German model were together for less than twelve months

The German model has described that a “mixture of shame, fear of Zverev’s lawyers and concern for her child” played a role in why she delayed seeking the injunction, but spoke to South German ZeitungMs. Patea said her decision to speak out stems from an effort to set an example for victims of abuse.

Ms Patea claims that during the confrontation, the former world number 2 ‘pushed her against the wall and strangled her during an argument in the hallway’.

This led to ‘pain in the throat and neck and difficulty swallowing’, which she spoke about after the incident when she confided in two friends.

Zverev is believed to have admitted to ‘touching’ her neck, and proposed to his then-girlfriend just days later.

Ms Patea also shared details about their relationship, claiming that Zverev’s jealousy – and subsequent “repeated physical violence against her” – could be caused by little things, such as likes on her Instagram profile, and that he repeatedly texted her mobile phone watched.

Zverev is also said to have had controlling habits, with Ms Patea claiming that even moving a stuffed animal in his collection could have set him off.

Ms Patea appeared to express remorse, adding: “I remained quiet when I could have been loud.”

Following their split in 2021, the player is said to have sought Ms Patea’s signature on a contract that gave her a one-off payment of £87,144 (€100,000), maintenance payments and the opportunity to live in one of Zverev’s properties.

Patea has described her ex-boyfriend as ‘jealous’ and that this could result in ‘repeated physical violence’ against her

After the couple split, Zverev is said to have offered Patea a contract detailing restrictions surrounding the public attention of their daughter Mayla (pictured).

Conditions attached to the contract are said to include a ban on discussing Zverev or their relationship in public, as well as restrictions around their daughter, including the ban on “photos of the child’s body parts, especially the hands and /or feet’.

Ms Patea was also banned from contacting Zverev’s ex-girlfriend Olga Sharypova, who accused the player of various charges of assault in two different publications in 2020 and 2021.

Zverev obtained an injunction against Ms. Sharypova later that year, and Ms. Sharypova has not filed criminal charges against her former partner.

The player was the subject of a 15-month investigation by the ATP, which concluded in January 2023 with the ruling that there was ‘insufficient evidence to substantiate published allegations of abuse’.

“However, this determination may be re-evaluated if new evidence comes to light, or if legal proceedings reveal violations of the ATP Rules,” their statement added.

“Zverev has consistently denied all allegations and supported ATP’s investigation.”

A number of players had raised concerns about the lengthy process and lack of domestic violence policy formed by men’s tennis’ governing body.

Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic were among those to criticize the ATP’s approach, with the three-time Wimbledon champion saying in October 2021: ‘I don’t know how long it took (for ATP to respond to the allegations), but it was certainly not. immediately. I’ve read some things, and of course tennis has no policy against domestic violence.

“That’s something we need to look at as a sport, so that the ATP knows what to do in that situation, rather than having to think and react to it.”

Ms Patea claims she spoke out in an attempt to set an example for others in the same situation

Before their split, the couple often traveled together for Zverev’s Tour commitments (pictured in 2020)

On Thursday, Zverev, pictured, lost to Stefanos Tsitsipas in their round of 16 match at the Paris Masters

When contacted for comment on Zverev’s court-imposed fine, the ATP said it would have been “inappropriate” for the organization to comment.

“We are aware of the allegations against Alexander Zverev and the recent court order in Germany,” the statement said. ‘As legal proceedings are still ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment at this stage.’

Zverev was eliminated from the Paris Masters tournament on Thursday by Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Although he has not yet qualified, Zverev is expected to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals in mid-November in Turin.