Woman behind Aussie Open protest of Alexander Zverev breaks silence

The woman who made headlines around the world for her protest of Alexander Zverev has explained the reasons behind her outburst.

The woman behind the protest aimed at Alexander Zverev following Sunday’s Australian Open men’s final has broken her silence.

Following Zverev’s one-sided 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 loss to world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, the 27-year-old German went to address the crowd as runner-up when he was interrupted by a lone voice shouting out from the stands.

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A woman shouted loudly and clearly “Australia believes Olga and Brenda” three times, receiving a smattering of boos and the odd cheer before she was escorted from the stadium and Zverev, seemingly unperturbed, gave his speech.

Zverev’s former partners Olga Sharypova and Brenda Patea, the latter the mother of his young daughter, have previously accused the German tennis star of domestic abuse. He has denied the allegations.

Alexander Zverev pauses his speech while the protest rings out. (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP)

A case involving Zverev and Patea settled out of court in June last year with no admission of guilt.

Tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg secured an interview with the lady behind the protest for his own website Bounces, having followed her after she was escorted out of Rod Laver Arena.

The woman, who used the single name Nina for the interview, stated she had carefully premeditated the protest for assembled media to hear it and make the biggest impact possible.

Nina discussed her possible move with her sisters before attending the men’s final alone, as she explained to Rothenberg.

“I was sitting on his player’s box end of the court,” she said.

“All night, people were cheering (Zverev’s nickname) ‘Sascha, Sascha, Sascha’. It was gross.

“He may try to bully people — ATP, journos, whomever — into quashing the story.

“Nina” seen protesting after the men’s final. (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP)

“But I wanted him to know that tennis fans know and we care about those women. And we f**king believe them.”

Nina, who called herself a “genuine tennis fan”, had earlier attended five sessions at the tournament prior to the final.

“I love this sport,” Nina added. “I don’t love its apathy to these important topics.”

Deciding she would attend the men’s final, Nina was struck by the quandary “how do I show that I do not support Sascha?” before opting for her protest.

After the allegations involving Sharypova became public in October 2020, a 15-month investigation commissioned by the ATP Tour failed to punish Zverev due to a lack of evidence.

Patea’s allegations then arose in July 2023, with more than a few eyebrows raised when Zverev was elected to the Tour’s Players Advisory Council around six months later.

Zverev speaks to the press after the final. (Photo by Vince CALIGIURI / TENNIS AUSTRALIA / AFP)

Jannik Sinner was far too strong for Zverev in the decider. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

The lack of accountability from Nina’s perspective left her infuriated.

“I’ve been pretty livid ever since that Sascha has been able to go about his business and be celebrated and cheered on world stages,” Nina said.

“Part of me has wondered whether that’s because the majority of people truly don’t care about victims’ voices and wellbeing.”

Zverev made no mention of the protest during his speech on Sunday, but was then asked about it in his post-match press conference.

“I believe there have been no more accusations,” he said. “There haven’t been for, what, nine months now.

“Good for her. I think she was the only one in the stadium who believed anything in that moment. If that’s the case, good for her.”

He added: “I think I’ve done everything I can, I’m not about to open that subject again.”

AO Tournament Director Craig Tiley slammed the actions of the protester. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)

In an interview with Melbourne radio station 3AW, Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said protests like the one Nina instigated “are not welcome” and “ruined this for everyone”.

Confirming Nina had been removed from the site after being spoken to by police, Tiley added: “And rightfully so, because it’s a breach of the positive enjoyment for the rest of the fans.”

When Rothenberg informed her of Tiley’s comments, Nina replied: “Wow. My immediate reaction is: who have I ruined the event for?

“Australians are known for being vocal at sporting events.

“I said five words (and) not one word was offensive. The five words were positive, in their support for victims.”

Read much more on Nina’s chat with Rothenberg, including her support for Jelena Dokic, in his article here.

Originally published as Woman behind Aussie Open protest of Alexander Zverev breaks silence