Not content to rest on his 2020 PR nightmare laurels, Novak Djokovic waded back into controversy in London with public support of embattled German Alexander Zverev.
I want to stop writing blogs about Novak Djokovic. Honestly. Or to be more precise, I would like to be compelled to write something complimentary for a change. Hell, I’d even take neutral at this point. Yet here I am, composing an entry that will probably work its way to scathing by the time I’m through venting my spleen. I’m just that disgusted.
As you are no doubt aware, Alexander Zverev finds himself embroiled in a horrifying scandal involving accusations of severe domestic abuse by his one-time partner Olga Sharypova. The details she revealed in the last few weeks are the sort that both break your heart and take your breath away–often simultaneously.
For the record, I am not claiming to know or declare Zverev’s unequivocal guilt. I am supportive of a careful, hopefully legal investigation of these allegations. But what I DO know for certain is that Ms. Sharypova’s claims are credible. There is nothing vague in her account, which is detailed here in Raquet Magazine by Ben Rothenberg. The timeline makes sense and the details (while appalling) are cohesive and with corroborating evidence in the form of photos, text screenshots, and witness accounts of people close to Sharypova.
Further giving credence to her claims is that she seems to have little to gain by revealing these details. She wasn’t married to Zverev and hoping to get a handsome divorce settlement. She is not, apparently, even a jilted lover looking to get revenge, as it was she who ended their relationship. She’s is simply a woman with an ugly, frightening story to tell. And she’s telling it.
Daniil Medvedev was mostly circumspect when asked about his position on the allegations against Zverev.
The Russian said in a recent presser, “What I can say for sure is I’m against abuse in any means. Of course especially how it’s called domestic abuse. After it’s more question to, yeah, as you say, ATP. Sascha, of course, because, well, that’s story about him and his ex-girlfriend. I can only say, yeah, that I’m against abuse, but I don’t know the details.”
It’s the kind of anemic answer I would expect most ATP players to give. And really, it’s hard to expect anything else. “I’ll wait to hear the results of the investigation” is about as committed as colleagues are going to get, especially in light of the the ghost of Amber Heard haunting domestic abuse claims.
But Djokovic went all in, his answer to the same question ANYTHING but non-committal.
“I have known Sascha for a very long time since he was very young. I always had a great relationship with him. Very nice guy. I have a lot of respect for him, his family. I’m same age and generation as his older brother Mischa, so I was sad to hear and to know he’s going through something like this.”
And if it were not enough to call Sascha a “very nice guy” and offer his commiserations for everything Zverev is going through, he tweeted the following:
Stay strong, Sascha. Right. Sure. A young woman makes credible allegations of serious domestic abuse against a top 10 ATP player, and our world No. 1 and former ATP player council president thinks the encouragement to “stay strong” to the accused is the appropriate response on his public social media account. Did I mention that I’m disgusted?
Look. I realize that Djokovic and Zverev are friends. I am not foolish enough to expect Nole to abandon a life-long relationship by going the full-on #believeOlga route and nor should anyone else. But I have a few basic expectations when it comes to the public treatment of a possible victim (I use the word possible, not because I doubt Ms. Sharypova, but because no formal investigative findings have been released), and they do not involve expressing literal sympathy to an alleged abuser for everything he’s “going through.”
Djokovic himself said, “We don’t know what happened truly. I mean, we are going to find out obviously” in his most recent London finals presser.
“We don’t know” means more than just ‘maybe Olga is making it all up.’ It means she might be making NONE of it up. Her account might be completely accurate. And that potential makes Djokovic’s statements not just contemptible, but downright cruel. Shame on him.
I am of the opinion that she didn’t make that up. She even probably tried to suppress those ugly details, but might have tested her mental health, and then expressing your emotions helps. No woman should be abused.
The fact that he’s a ‘nice’ guy with other guys, doesn’t mean he is with women. One thing is to be aggressive and vocal, and another thing is to phisically abuse them. He’s not a star and he definitely is not the victim here.
Sjw at it again
well said, cheryl
When it comes to PR Novak’s instincts are to shoot himself in the foot. Sometimes both feet.
All I can say is that being very good at tennis does NOT make you a good person. We got really lucky with Rafa and Roger. Novax is more of a mixed bag. Zverev may be a garbage bag. Thing about domestic abusers – they may be great guys with everyone else. It mostly does not happen in public, by its nature. It may only be one particular person that drives them over the edge, although it seems to be more common that they’re serial abusers. Zverev’s latest ex apparently had no problems with abuse from him. Anyway the kid’s a liar. We know that so no reason at all to believe his denials.
Good God! This is absolutely shocking at every level! Novak should issue a public apology asap. Completely unacceptable behaviour by him.
Very well said Cheryl. Thanks for yet another great piece.
Honestly I really am gobsmacked reading the details here.
Novak is the world number 1 who has tried to lead a breakaway tour. If he wants to be a leader he should behave like one.Actually I think he should start shutting up a lot more as this is one of a string of gaffes. ( sorry gaffe isn’t the right word, but you know what i mean…)
I just read Sharypova’s account. It’s very detailed and very shocking. Obviously I can’t know for definite if it’s true but it is, as Cheryl says, credible and backed up by people who have no reason to lie. I had no idea the allegations were so serious and shocking.
Yes, it’s a really upsetting situation. Very disturbing all the way around.
Reading Cheryl’s blogs is one of the great pleasures of this site. This one hit very close to home for me. I did not know about these allegations of domestic abuse. It us extremely disturbing. I don’t want to get into the details of my personal experience, but I will say that I am a survivor of domestic abuse. It is long in the past and I don’t talk about it very much. But this brought it all back.
I cannot express in polite language what I feel about Novak’s comments. I thought we were done with this kind of attitude. The good old boys club, where they all stick together like pals. Shame on Novak! I lived it, so I can say it and mean it. I know what it means to be in that Young woman’s shoes. It takes courage and guts to get out alive. My situation was made difficult because it was almost thirty years ago. Thankfully, things have changed. Laws have gotten tougher. People are more aware and enlightened. Unfortunately, some people are not. I am beyond disappointed and disgusted by Novak’s comments.
Cheryl, this one is personal and I thank you so much for speaking out. It means everything.
NNY – I’m so sorry to hear that you have personal experience with domestic abuse. I wish with every fiber of my being that it was a rare occurrence, but it isn’t.
The Djoko fans are mad at me on Twitter, but I won’t sit by quietly while a high-profile player makes such statements. I was incensed.
Cheryl,
I debated about sharing my experience, but I felt that I had to tell my truth. I read this young woman’s account and it brought so much back to me. Like I was living it all over again.
You should stay strong in the face of the Novak fans. What he said was so disrespectful. I got a lot of that at the time. You can be a friend without being callous to a young woman’s allegations. She is not trying to get anything out of Zverev. These allegations are serious and deserve a thorough investigation.
Novak’s comments reminded me that got some, nothing has changed.
I was able to move on and live a life free of that horror. I am grateful to be alive. I was one of the more fortunate ones.
Just know that your words are powerful and do important. I have always admired you for your writing skill. But this means so much more. I think you again from the bottom of my heart.
♥️
I appreciate your words, NNY. I took no pleasure in writing this piece. It’s simply heartbreaking reading that poor woman’s words. But I was just so disappointed in Novak, I felt I had no choice but to speak out. To callously say “Stay strong” in light of what Zverev has been accused of…it was too much for me.
Also, I wanted women out there who could relate to what Olga has been through to know that there are people ready to fight back…even if it’s only with words.
NNY: I’m so sorry to learn about your horrible experience. And I’m so sorry if this has brought it all back. Take care.
Cheryl: Fans can be blinkered and irrational about their favourites and twitter can be a cess pool but this should never stop you, or anyone else, from speaking out on important issues. Djokovich believes he is an ambassador for the sport and should be very careful about what he says. But where are Martina and Billy-Jean? Oddly silent.
Djoker fans out of control on Twitter (as usual)
FOR some, nothing has changed!
Nny…Sorry to hear bout your unfortunate past…and i’m very glad u managed to get out from that Nny..it showed what a strong women u r…i bet that was one your biggest victory in your life!…Vamos Nny!
NNY Sorry to here about what you went through, and thanks for been brave and sharing your terrible experience, GODESS BLESSINGS , LOVE and HUGS xx
Nny, thank you for sharing your experiences with us. Awful though they were. But you showed the real meaning of the word strong in coming through them and telling us about them here. Novak saying stay strong to a man accused of domestic violence is ludicrously insensitive given the fact of his physical strength and abuse of it is the point at issue. And then the blokey dismissive tone of it all is all too familiar.
Thanks for being so generous in sharing your experiences with us. Strong women are inspirational!
PS you are an inspirational friend!
xxx
Margot, Alison, Mira Andi and amy,
I just read your comments and find myself a bit overwhelmed. Thank you all for the support and kind words. I never thought I would be talking about this here of all places. But I had to speak up after reading Cheryl’s blog. I read this young woman’s story and it was very emotional. I know what it means to be doubted, demeaned, disbelieved. Especially at that time. I don’t like to relive that part of my life. But my heart goes out any time I hear about a woman experiencing this.
I don’t see myself as a hero. But I am a survivor. Not a victim. I know this young woman will get attacked on social media. It was brave of her to speak out.
I am at a place of peace in my life. I never take life for granted. It was hell on earth. But I am still standing!
Thank you all so much!
😍❤️
You’re very much welcome Nny!…Hey!..it’s okay to talk about anything here Nny…i mean,u don’t know us personally,we don’t know u a squat too!…we’re all faceless friends here..and sometimes we’re just needs to unload about something that we couldn’t do it in real life..for some reasons..so,if u wants to unload about something..just do it k?We’re always here for u Nny!😀👍
No abuse domestic or emotional should be excused or let go off scot-free .If everything in the article is true , Zverev should be punished …n called out by all tennis players ..
Djokovic has a classic foot in mouth syndrome .he should not unnecessarily speak where not needed .
Btw Cheryl..Mr Ben Rothenberg is supposedly a Zverev hater and writes lot of filth about him and Zverev called him out for it in a presser..do you think the article though having the right base , maybe a bit massaged for more shock value ?
Sanju – generally it’s a question worth asking. I am aware that Rothenberg and Zverev are not on friendly terms and it could certainly be one of the reasons Mr. Rothenberg was eager to write that piece. In this case, though, I don’t think Ben’s personal feelings about Zverev are germane to my blog entry. Ms. Sharypova revealed details on social media and to other news outlets. I take exception to a player of Djokovic’s position making such dismissive, good ‘ol boy statements in the face of these serious allegations. And that remains the case regardless of the particulars of Ben’s story.
Yes I agree with Cheryl. I had already thought about Rothenberg ‘s frosty relationship with Zverev but that isn’t a real factor in how he writes the piece. He narrates it non- sensationally letting Sharypova tell her story. Which must have been incredibly hard for her to do. It’s a solid piece of journalism which plays by the rules not an example of tabloid fodder.
Can’t imagine the Zverev press conference s after this if Rothenberg is there mind you.
i would say Zverev dislike Ben more than Ben dislikes Zverev. Ben just reports the facts, and even before this story Zverev wasn’t liking those facts.
Also true, though I would contend that Ben is (understandably) disdainful of Zverev. At this point, the dislike is probably somewhat mutual.
well Ben obviously has disdain for Zverev now since Zverev refuses to answer any questions Ben asks in press (even if they are about tennis), thus interfering with Ben’s journalistic endeavors. But it was Zverev who started it, clearly.
Absolutely. Ben is not the “bad guy” in this situation. And I thought his article was not sensationalized in the least…which is why I referenced it.
Yes that’s true Ricky. I thought Zverev was overreacting to what Rothenberg wrote before about him breaking quarantine. It’s his job to report it regardless of the player and his feelings about them. Zverev made it seen way more personal than it actually was.
It’s important to understand the context of the statements and not make assumptions for the sake of sensationalism and to create a headline etc. The way I interpreted Djokovic’s statements is there is 2 parties to a relationship and it takes 2 to tango. We don’t know the full story, the psychology of the relationship and all the subtleties involved, and ultimately Alexander Zverev is a human being with feelings also. Domestic abuse claims does not necessarily make him an evil perpetrator with conscious intent. He might have a problem that he needs to deal with or learn how to manage his anger when people disappoint him or when his security and pride is threatened which is natural for most young adults (he is only 23)
My last post for the year. Looking forward to the ATP Cup and Australian Open after a relaxing festive season. Have an enjoyable Christmas everyone.
These types of situations are never black and white. There’s usually a lot of factors going on underneath the surface that both parties to the relationship aren’t even aware of.
Agree 100%
Oh come off it! Violence is violence. You say it takes 2 to tango as if the victim has equal power and equal culpability as the perpetrator. In which case she is at least partially responsible for the violence enacted against her. That’s just rubbish.
And the idea that this is a normal problem for men aged 23 is preposterous. You use the word “normal” which in turn normalises the entire narrative of violence. So maybe look at your own complicity in doing so.
And Cheryl hasn’t sensationalized anything in her piece.Neither did Rothenberg.
Your weasel words do you no credit.
I didn’t know the details of the allegations included ‘physical violence so most of my statements you’re taking out of context.
I have no interest in this subject to be honest. It’s none of my business. You’re welcome to think what you want to think.
Sorry boy i can’t let this kind of ignorance go without saying something. As I have said, I do not talk about what happened to me very often. But when I read this absolute garbage, it cannot go unchallenged. Too many women have died trying to get out of violent relationships. Was Nicole Brown responsible for OJ slashing her throat and nearly decapitating her? She made an anonymous call to a domestic violence hotline five days before her death. I know why she made that call. OJ was threatening her. She had called the police numerous times as he was stalking her even after their divorce. Yet she ended up dead anyway.
I know of women who had to go underground because nothing stopped the men from going after them. The most dangerous time is when you leave. It used to be that psychologists would blame the women, too. Now we have be gone more knowledgeable and understand that this is not a two way street. That is such a repugnant idea and it is responsible for women dying. This is life and death. It does not get better. These men are seriously disturbed. Violence in the home is not in some way normal or okay.
My ex-husband’s friends turned against me. Others blamed me. I lived it. I was fortunate enough to get help from a domestic violence organization. It was a long road back. I remember one woman who did all the right things. She got a restraining order. He violated it. He followed her to work and kicked in the door of her home. He was unrelenting. In our group, she spoke up because she was desperate. She said, please help me. I don’t want to die. I never found out what happened to her. If they would hide any of the women, it was done in strict secrecy.
Anonymous, you are part of the problem. Your attitude is why women continue to die. I believe this young woman. She has nothing to gain from going public. On the contrary, she will be subjected to attacks and condemnation. Zverev is a top tennis player. He has a lot of fans. She is not after money or prosecuting him. She is just speaking her truth. But when I read comments like Anonymous, I realize that we still have a problem.
I know what it’s about. I wish it had not been part of my life. But it was. That is why I spojr out. There are not two sides! Violence is violence! No one deserves to be abused. Because this happens in private, we don’t see it. But when a woman comes forward to tell her story or to get help, she should be believed. If you don’t get out, you die. Like Nicole Brown. She tried to get help, but it did not stop OJ.
The terrible truth is that some women will not make it. We hear about it every day. There is nothing mutual about one person abusing another.
We still have a problem in this society because of callous ignorance. It’s time to stand up and support women who have the courage to get out.
Am so sorry you had to go through such a terrible ordeal nny.
Sending love..
Xxx
I actually couldn’t sleep the night before last because the details Olya tells kept flashing through my mind. I re-read Rothenberg’s piece today. Every instinct I have tells me it’s true. And there is absolutely no exaggeration/ sensationalism / rhetorical flourish by Rothenberg. He just lets her tell her story.
I disagree completely with everything you’re saying. Your view is distorted, biased, one-sided and not how reality works. Everyone is responsible for the decisions they make in life and the risk associated with those decisions. OJ’s ex-wife was a perfect innocent victim was she? Give me a break! Clearly, you need to get out of your bubble and see the world a bit more!
“Everyone is responsible for the decisions they make in life and the risk associated with those decisions.”
This is so illogical and idiotic it’s scarcely worth commenting on. The logic of what you are saying is that anyone who makes the mistake of trusting someone who turns out to be violent and maims or murders them is responsible for the violence perpetrated against them. There is no democratic legal system anywhere which would even remotely agree with this. That’s why we have human rights. Something you don’t understand in the least. You do know that legal systems are founded on the concept of human rights don’t you? Actually I don’t think you do. In fact you appear not to believe in them which speaks volumes about your character.
There’s a proverb that sums all of this up nicely for you so you can move on and accept reality.
“You can’t have your cake and eat it (too) “
You really are an utter idiot.
Anonymous,
Give me a break? That is your answer about Nicole Brown? That means nothing. At least have the brains to make an argument, not bullshit!
You don’t know anything. You just have your own biased, ignorant, idiotic assumptions. The fact is that domestic abuse is a crime! You can go to jail. Hello! Or did you not know that? It is against the law!
People like you make me sick. Such callous disregard. You can’t make an argument in response because there is none!
I have nothing more to say to someone who is so utterly clueless.
Zverev is innocent until proven guilty .
Oh really? Well thanks fir filling in the rest of us on the big news! Who is trying to prove him guilty? Is there a trial that we don’t know about? This young woman has spoken up about her experience. She is not pushing for Zverev to be prosecuted. Nor is she seeking any monetary damages. She is speaking her truth. I believe her. Did I say anything about Zverev being put in trial or prosecuted? At this time, it’s all in the court of public opinion. People get to make up their own mind.
This woman revealed a great amount of detail. We know that domestic violence occurs usually without any witnesses. So this nonsense about innocent until proven guilty is not applicable here. That standard pertains to criminal trials. That us not happening here. Zverev is not facing any legal prosecution.
I did not have the problem of whether or not I was believed. I wound up in the emergency room of a hospital and the police and doctors could see for themselves.
Not trying to belittle the terrible experience ,for you or anyone else, but how do people make up their own mind ? Im just reading online ,do you know her personally? It doesn’t need to be proven in a court but reasonable people need more than just a feeling . Those people who helped her in the street and your doctors have more idea because they saw evidence of it.
You’re extrapolating your own experience ,sorry.
Having said all that, I never liked Zverev from what Ive seen ,he’s an arrogant, bad tempered type on the tennis court . I still don’t know if he’s ‘guilty’ or not .
Big Al,
I don’t make it a habit to talk about what happened to me. It was a long time ago and I moved on with life. I was merely pointing out that there is no reason to use the criminal standard here because there is no prosecution or trial. If is in the court of public opinion now. I happen to find her story credible. She has nothing to gain and everything to lose. Going up against a top tennis player publicly is not easy. But I find her story credible. There is no reason for her to make it up,
I am not confusing my story with hers. This is why I don’t normally talk about it. I have been through it and comments like Novak’s are all too often the way men react.
I am done talking about my own experience. I don’t know that it was a good idea to bring it up.
Or is it the other way round? Dunno. Djoko was out of line not form the first time.