Germany's top tennis player, Alexander Zverev, has stepped into a different kind of court as his assault trial commenced at the Berlin criminal court. With his legal team vigorously contesting the charges, they portrayed the alleged victim, Zverev's ex-girlfriend, as someone motivated by fame and money.

Zverev, the reigning Olympic tennis champion, stands accused of physically abusing his ex-girlfriend and causing harm to her health during an argument that took place in May 2020. The incident allegedly occurred at a rented Airbnb apartment in Berlin's Charlottenburg district, where Zverev is said to have pushed his ex-girlfriend against a wall and strangled her.

Opening the trial, the public prosecutor, Philipp Zündorf, read out the charges in full. The alleged incident reportedly resulted in throat pain and swallowing difficulties for the ex-girlfriend for several days. It is worth mentioning that she is also the mother of Zverev's child.

The trial is taking place because Zverev is disputing a penalty order and a fine of €450,000 that were issued last year related to the incident. Zverev's defense team, led by renowned criminal defense lawyer Alfred Dierlamm, is presenting a robust defense strategy.

Dierlamm begins by denouncing the accusations as baseless and contradictory to other evidence yet to be heard. He intends to introduce new witnesses, chat messages, and communication records to provide an unbiased and comprehensive account of the events. The defense lawyer aims to portray the ex-girlfriend as fame and money-driven, accusing her of using Zverev's credit card for extravagant purchases to increase her social media followers.

Further allegations were made regarding the ex-girlfriend's dishonesty about her career and income, with Dierlamm claiming they were connected to a custody dispute over their child. Additionally, the defense challenges the ex-girlfriend's description of the incident, asserting that her statement regarding an escape over a gate was fictitious.

Amidst the trial, it was revealed that the alleged assault was followed by a trip to Hamburg, Zverev's hometown. Dierlamm explained that despite arguing in the car, the pair continued to Hamburg, where video evidence suggests a harmonious gathering with friends and family and no visible injuries.

The proceedings also brought up the involvement of another ex-girlfriend, Olya Sharypova, who had previously accused Zverev of multiple instances of violence. However, Dierlamm dismisses these allegations, claiming they do not correspond to the truth. The defense plans to present expert testimony suggesting that the current ex-girlfriend copied Sharypova's claims and media strategy.

The trial was adjourned at the request of Zverev's defense team, who seek the rest of the proceedings to be held privately to protect Zverev's privacy and the welfare of his daughter. The judge, Barbara Lüders, will make a decision on this matter on Monday.

As Zverev's legal battle continues, his ex-girlfriend's representative, Michael Nitschke, expressed no objection to holding the rest of the trial in private. He acknowledged the expected defense strategy to undermine the ex-girlfriend's credibility and emphasized her pursuit of justice rather than monetary gain.

The trial will resume, with further witness testimonies, medical forensic evidence, and the potential testimony of a speech expert who will investigate the allegations of copycat claims.

It is crucial to note that all mentioned facts are based on the information provided and the ongoing trial. The verdict and final judgment will be reached once the trial concludes.