Nikoloz Basilashvili faces charges of physical assault against his former wife

A criminal case is brought against Georgian tennis player Nikoloz Basilashvili for charges of physical assault against his former wife Neli Dorokashvili. According to Dorokashvili the incident allegedly took place on May 21 in Tbilisi at the presence of their 5-year-old son Lukas.

Basilashvili was arrested on May 22 and release on 100,00 GEL (31 000 USD) bail on May 24. In an interview with Georgian TV company Rustavi 2, Neli Dorokashvili said the violence took place when she came to Basilashvili's family house to pick up their son.

Nikoloz Basilashvili is pleading not guilty. Basilashvili' issued a statement for his fans pledging for his innocence.

"I am sorry and apologize to the public for the events that have taken place around my family. I feel your support and love for which I am infinitely grateful. As for the developments on May 22, I hope all the details will be clarified, now in court and a fair verdict will be issued, before that, I do not want to talk about my personal space. I'm not going to enter into a public discussion with my ex-wife over the things that really did not take place. She is the mother of my only son, Lucas, and will remain so for the rest of her life. My goal during this difficult stage of life is to defend my truth so as not to harm Lucas's interests. To protect my son, I will not be answering baseless allegations, though I believe I will prove the truth in court, with the help of my lawyers," says the statement.

Court hearing will be held on July 16, 2020. The 28-year-old Basilashvili is ranked number 27 in the world. He holds 3 ATP titles.

(Photo Credit: AP)