Tennis star cleared of domestic abuse charges

Tennis star Alexander Zverev insists "justice has prevailed" after breaking his silence about the completion of the ATP investigation that cleared him of domestic abuse charges.

The German took to Instagram after the men's governing body concluded there was "insufficient evidence" to support claims from his former girlfriend Olga Sharypova that he had been emotionally and physically abusive during their relationship.

The Tokyo Olympic gold medallist and World No. 14 thanked his family and friends and everyone who supported him during the 15-month long ATP investigation and admitted he now plans to focus on tennis and fully recovering from the serious ankle injury he suffered at the French Open.

He said:"From the beginning, I have maintained my innocence and denied the baseless allegations made against me," Zverev said. "I welcomed and fully cooperated with the ATP's investigation and am grateful for the organization's time and attention in this matter."

The former World No. 2 further revealed that he had also taken the legal route in both Germany and Russia against the accusations -- both of which have now gone in his favour as well.

"In addition to the ATP's independent investigation, I have also initiated court proceedings in Germany and Russia, both of which have won. I am grateful that this is finally resolved and my priority now is recovering from injury and concentrating on what I love most in this world - tennis. I want to thank my friends, family and fans for their ongoing support," Zverev said. "We followed the long and difficult process and justice has prevailed."

Zverev lost early in Australia to Nigeria-born US player Michael Mmoh, but plans to be back in action at the ATP 500 Rotterdam Open (February 13-19), where he is the provincial eighth seed at the moment.