Roger Federer says it's not up to tennis' governing bodies to take action over off-court matters, such as the assault allegations levelled at US Open runner-up Alexander Zverev.
The 39-year-old tennis legend also left questions hanging over Zverev's split from the management company he co-founded.
In November, the German's former girlfriend Olga Sharypova alleged the world No.6 once tried to strangle her, allegations the tennis star labelled as "unfounded."
She also claimed he "hit my head into the wall" after a fight, as well as "pushing me, shoving me, twisting my arms, choking me."
In January, Zverev parted ways with the Team 8 management company, of which Federer is one of the founders, amid speculation the split was linked to the assault allegations.
"These are decisions that (co-founder) Tony (Godsick) takes, and the team," Federer said.
"Look, Sascha is a great guy. I'm really happy for him when he does well. But I don't get involved in those types of decisions.
"For me this is something that is anyway in the past now, and I think for Sascha it's important to have his team and be comfortable with his team.
"All of the allegations, that's super private stuff that I really don't want to comment."
The ATP's involvement in the allegations against Zverev has so far been restricted to a statement condemning "any form of violence or abuse."
The governing body noted that it would not take action until legal authorities had investigated the matter and "due process applied."
To date, Sharypova has declined to press charges against Zverev, who says the claims are "simply not true."
Pressed further by leading tennis reporter Ben Rothenberg on whether or not the ATP should actively involve itself once accusations are made against players, Federer suggested it wouldn't be an easy process.
"We're independent contracts, so it's maybe more complicated than other (leagues)," he said.
"I feel like this is something very personal, and I guess when you're employed at a club or in a league it's something very different, because then you get a salary from there."
The Swiss legend, who has won a record 20 grand slam singles titles, then suggested the ATP shouldn't get involved in off-court issues.
"Of course there needs to be a certain code, like they have on the court, but that one's also gotten more and more strict over the years," he said.
"So now you want to move over into the private life as well? I feel like for that we have other sets of rules, governments and all that stuff.
"I don't know that I want to talk about it to be honest. I don't feel super comfortable talking about it."
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from WWOS https://wwos.nine.com.au/tennis/roger-federer-alexander-zverev-assault-allegations-atp-should-not-get-involved/cba8b85f-5289-413a-a10b-9d7cfa0df303
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