Australian Open contender Alexander Zverev has blasted reporting surrounding his upcoming court case in Germany, claiming journalists are motivated by "clicks" rather than the truth.
German news outlets have reported Zverev will stand trial in May, during the French Open, after he was ordered to pay fines of €450,000 ($A750,000) over an alleged assault of a former partner.
Zverev contested that fine against him, forcing the case to trial.
After defeating fellow German Dominik Koepfer in his first-round match at Melbourne Park on Tuesday night, the sixth seed was quizzed about the case and his role on the ATP player council.
"Why would it not be?," the 26-year-old responded when asked if it was appropriate if he remained part of the player's committee.
"Nobody has said anything to me. I don't have a reason not to believe that."
In an awkward exchange, the only questions he got in English during his press conference were about his trial, which he will reportedly not have to appear in court for.
Zverev pushed back when told there were "some people" who insist he shouldn't be playing tennis at all.
"Like who? Journalists are saying that, some, who are actually interested more in this story to write about and more about the clicks than the actual truth," he said.
After no questions about his on-court performance were forthcoming, Zverev switched to speaking in German.
Women's world No.1 Iga Swiatek, as well as some men's players, were asked about Zverev's position on the ATP council.
Swiatek admitted she was in a tricky spot and said "there's no good answer to that".
"I think it's up to ATP what they decide," she said on Tuesday.
"For sure it's not good when a player who's facing charges like that is kind of being promoted."
