Alexander Zverev has denied domestic violence allegations made by his former girlfriend Olga Sharypova and apologised for the negative attention it has brought to tennis.
Sharypova, a former junior player, accused Zverev of domestic violence and told Racquet she tried to commit suicide after being subjected to the alleged abuse.
Zverev put out a short statement on Instagram to deny Sharypova's claims.
Speaking ahead of the Nitto ATP Finals in London, Zverev said: "Many people have asked me why I kept my mouth shut, why I didn't say anything.
"While I very much regret that those accusations are made, I have to stick to my initial thing of them being untrue and continue to deny them.
"These accusations are just unfounded and untrue. We had our ups and downs but the way our relationship is described in the public is not how it was. That's not who I am, that's not how I was raised by my parents.
"It makes me sad the impact that such false accusations can have: on the sport, on the outside world, on myself as well. I truly apologise that the focus has shifted away from the sport."
The ATP issued a statement on Friday which read: "The ATP fully condemns any form of violence or abuse. We expect all members of the Tour to do the same, and to refrain from any conduct that is violent, abusive, or puts others at risk.
"In circumstances where allegations of violence or abuse are made against any member of the Tour, legal authorities investigate and due process is applied, we then review the outcome and decide the appropriate course of action. Otherwise, we are unable to comment further on specific allegations."
Zverev will play his first match of the ATP Finals against Daniil Medvedev at The O2 on Monday, with play beginning on Sunday behind closed doors.