'Be Better Informed': Sachin Tendulkar Faces Backlash for Praising Alexander Zverev's French Open 2026 Win Amid Former Girlfriend's Abuse Allegations
Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar had to face backlash on social media after he congratulated Alexander Zverev on winning his maiden Grand Slam title on the 2026 French Open.
The German finally clinched his maiden major title on the clay courts of Roland Garros after repeatedly falling at tennis' greatest tournaments for years. The win was widely praised throughout the sporting world and Tendulkar was one of the high-profile individuals to congratulate the 29-year-old.
On X, Sachin Tendulkar posted
"Sometimes tennis can take a long time to give back what players keep putting in. Good to see Alexander Zverev win his first Grand Slam at Roland-Garros today. Always felt he was a special player! Credit to Flavio Cobolli for the way he competed today as well. Both players gave everything to the game."
However, this quickly elicited a backlash from some users who questioned why Zverev’s win would be publicised with such enthusiasm, given the serious allegations that have trailed the German in recent times.
Social Media Users Criticise Tendulkar's Post
Many took to the social media after Tendulkar’s post to mention the domestic violence accusations filed by two of his ex-girlfriends against him over the years.
Some said the sports star’s feat should not be disconnected from the controversy that is involved. The others asked Tendulkar to be more 'informed' before he went ahead to post such messages.
The users among the backlash mentioned that, 'Be Better Informed' in reply to the post by the legend.
As of now, Tendulkar has made no public comment to the remarks but his post is still up. It quickly became one of the many trending topics after Zverev’s win.
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Abuse Allegations Against Zverev
The claims against the German tennis player came from two former girlfriends.
In 2020, the player's former girlfriend Olga Sharypova accused Zverev of domestic violence and physical and emotional abuse. Zverev vehemently refuted these accusations. An independent investigation by the ATP in 2023 found insufficient evidence for Sharypova's claims, and Zverev faced no disciplinary action.
In the second case, Brenda Patea, Zverev's daughter's mother, accused him of physically assaulting her during an argument in 2020. Berlin magistrates imposed a penalty order, and fine, which was appealed by Zverev.
This then proceeded to trial before a settlement was reached and the case was dismissed in 2024. Zverev was not found guilty or innocent.
Zverev vehemently denied the accusations and has not been convicted for domestic violence.