/** * https://gist.github.com/samthor/64b114e4a4f539915a95b91ffd340acc */ (function() { var check = document.createElement('script'); if (!('noModule' in check) && 'onbeforeload' in check) { var = false; document.addEventListener('beforeload', function(e) { if (e.target === check) { = true; } else if (!e.target.hasAttribute('nomodule') || !) { return; } e.preventDefault(); }, true); check.type = 'module'; check.src = '.'; document.head.appendChild(check); check.remove(); } }());

Alexander Zverev domestic abuse trial to take place during French Open

Alexander Zverev hits a return in Australian Open practiceGetty Images

Alexander Zverev has been as high as number two in the world rankings

By Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

German player Alexander Zverev faces a trial during this year's French Open over domestic abuse allegations.

The hearing starts on 31 May and Zverev does not have to appear in person, German court officials told BBC Sport.

In November, Zverev was given a penalty order and fined after being accused of physically abusing his ex-girlfriend.

Zverev denies the charges and has lodged an objection against the order, meaning he remains legally innocent and is not convicted until a final ruling.

German law allows sentences in cases of physical abuse to range from a fine or up to five years in prison. With the court already issuing a 450,000 euro (£390,000) fine, it is likely that penalty will remain if he is found guilty.

Speaking at an ATP tournament in Paris in November, Olympic champion Zverev confirmed he intended to contest the penalty but would not comment further.

On Monday, the Tiergarten district court in Berlin said it had set the date for what is expected to be an eight-day public trial in front of a single judge.

The news came on the eve of world number six Zverev starting his Australian Open campaign - a four-set win over fellow German Dominik Koepfer in Melbourne on Tuesday.

Asked in a news conference after the match if it was appropriate for him to continue on the ATP player council, Zverev replied: "Why would it not be">