German Tennis star and Australian Open contender Alexander Zverev once again clashed with reporters as he faced questions about his upcoming legal proceedings related to domestic violence.
According to reports from German news outlets, Zverev is set to stand trial in May, coinciding with the French Open, following a court order to pay fines amounting to £387,000 ($A750,000) in connection to an alleged assault on his former partner, Brenda Patea.
Zverev contested the imposed fine, leading to the escalation of the case to a trial. The accusation against him involves an incident where he is alleged to have choked Patea against a wall just days before proposing to her.
Despite his triumph over the determined underdog Lukas Klein in a gripping five-set match, Zverev showed displeasure when questioned about his potential attendance at the trial later in the year.
"Wow, that's the question," he said.
"I just played four hours and 40 minutes. It's not the first question I really wanna hear, to be honest.
"I've got no idea. It's in May," he added. No other question in English was put to the German during the press conference.
Zverev was questioned on the identical topic earlier this week, as journalists inquired with the sixth seed regarding his involvement on the ATP player council.
"Why would it not be?" the 26-year-old responded when asked if it was appropriate if he remained part of the player's committee.
"Nobody has said anything to me. I don't have a reason not to believe that."
In an uncomfortable interaction, the only questions he received in English during his press conference revolved around his trial, for which he purportedly won't need to attend court.
Zverev resisted when informed that there are 'certain individuals' who assert he should not be participating in tennis altogether.
"Like who? Journalists are saying that some, who are actually interested more in this story to write about and more about the clicks than the actual truth," he said.
After receiving no questions about his performance on the court, Zverev switched to speaking in German.
The court sessions are scheduled for May 31, June 7, 11, 18, and 21, and then July 5, 12, and 19.
Wimbledon, the third Grand Slam of the season, is set to occur between July 1 and 14, followed by the Paris Olympics starting on July 26.
Additional dates may be added if the judge deems it necessary to thoroughly examine evidence or call more witnesses.
The spokesperson stated that Zverev has not been mandated to attend the hearing but noted that the court could, in theory, request his appearance later in the trial.