Patricio Apey: Who Is The Man Alexander Zverev Fights Against?
Alexander Zverev is not having an easy time these days. In addition to his sporting crisis, the German also has to deal with his ex-manager Patricio Apey. But who is this man the 22-year-old is fighting?
by Jörg Allmeroth
last edit: Jul 03, 2019, 10:21 am
When Patricio Apey strolls on the terrace of the Wimbledon players' center these days, there is no sign of the mud battle with his former client Alexander Zverev . Apey, always in an elegant, casual business look, meets in a good mood with tournament directors, sponsor representatives or potential new customers for a chat, every now and then he hugs old acquaintances and companions with hugs.
However, the 53-year-old Chilean also has a completely different side, which is behind the public façade of courtesy and friendliness: Apey is a tradesman washed with all waters. A cunning, cunning, often impenetrable dealer in the million dollar professional tennis market. “Twilight” is what an experienced British tennis journalist who had been dealing with Apey for a long time when he was looking after young Andy Murray called him: “Apey is all about one thing: about yourself. About the best deal. For maximum profit. "
Apey is "disappointed and surprised"
Apey prefers to stay in the background as a initiator of profitable contracts, prefers to pull the strings behind the scenes, he is the classic back room juggler. But the violent skirmishes with and around Zverev, the current ATP world champion, have now suddenly brought the London-based manager into the spotlight. Shortly after Zverev had targeted Apey again in an emotional tirade after his first-round knockout, without naming him, the South American shot back. Zverev himself was the one who hurt himself the most, Apey said and was "disappointed and surprised" about the actions of the whole family. Apparently generously, he also offered to be able to agree and to be able to reach an agreement out of court. But then more likely on his terms, the terms of the man who turned from friend to enemy.
# BETATHOMEWI #
Apey is a seasoned player in the tennis scene, from whom he comes. His father, Patricio sen., Was once one of the coaches of the Argentine star player Gabriela Sabatini. Later Patricio jun. the business affairs of the dark-haired beauty, who also campaigned for the Cologne perfume giant 4711 for years. Apey became self-employed with his Ace Group International at the beginning of the century, and one of his most prominent clients was Murray, the Scotsman, who in 2013 ended the everlasting Wimbledon curse of the stubbornly failing host nation with his victory. But Apey was no longer working for Murray, who had joined another management team in 2008, saying that he needed the "best possible people" to be able to concentrate entirely on tennis.
Global player Zverev
Apey was there early on when it became apparent that Zverev could become a tennis giant. Zverev was just 15 when Apey joined Team Zverev, the German tennis family business with Russian roots. The Chilean vision was clear from the start, and he left no doubt about it: Germany, which was actually the most lucrative tennis market, was uninteresting. The young sky striker should become a global player with an appeal that should also attract multinational corporations. In practice, it also looked like this: Apey ignored German media, interview requests were rarely or not answered at all. Ultimately, Zverev suffered from it, who was accused of arrogance because he did not speak to the journalists or only grumpily. That he then no longer played at Rothenbaum in Hamburg, in his hometown, despite a promise, fit into the general picture of the spoiled young millionaire, who only had the big thing in mind.
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The industry shook its head at some of Apey's managerial accomplishments for Zverev. The Chilean got his teenage client's contract with a luxury watch manufacturer known for extravagant models as well as exorbitant prices. And instead of waiting for potential German prospects like Mercedes or BMW, both committed to sponsoring tennis, Apey concluded a contract with Zverev for the French brand Peugeot. A leading German manager from the sports equipment industry says: “Apey doesn't like Germany. And he doesn't like the Germans. "
Apey has always been a tough, relentless negotiator. The 53-year-old was happy to call up fantasy prizes when it came to starting premiums for Zverev at tournaments in the traveling circus. He also pitted potential partners against each other to drive up prices. He is said to still have a contract with Zverev until at least 2023, which he accuses of “breaking an expensive, unnecessary, and absolutely illegitimate litigation”. He, Apey, has been presented as a scapegoat since Zverev was no longer active. Apey in the victim role - many find it difficult to imagine. Scene watchers speculate that Apey may have attempted to end the clashes with Zverev around the Wimbledon date - against payment of a handsome sum of millions. But it seems that washing dirty laundry goes on cheerfully.
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