Protestor calls out Alexander Zverev’s dark past after Aus Open final
German tennis star Alexander Zverev was forced to pause his speech as a protestor called out a dark cloud hanging over his head.
Jannik Sinner has put the finishing touches on a sensational fortnight of tennis, pushing Alexander Zverev aside in straight sets for his third grand slam title.
The clear world No. 1 didn’t face a single break point on serve as he secured a 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 victory in two hours, 42 minutes.
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The victory gives him his third grand slam crown, making him the first Italian in the history of tennis to win three.
For Zverev, it’s his third defeat in a grand slam final, having previously lost the US Open decider in 2020 and the French Open final in 2024.
The event ended in ugly scenes as Zverev was heckled by a spectator inside Rod Laver Arena during his post-match speech to the crowd.
A woman was heard chanting: “Australia believes Olya and Brenda! Australia believes Olya and Brenda! Australia believes Olya and Brenda”.
The jeering was a form of protest about allegations of domestic violence that have been made against the German star.
You can read the full details of the protest in the blog post below.
According to tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg, the woman was seen surrounded by several security guards inside the main entrance of the venue. The woman told the American journalist she was being “evicted”.
Victoria Police has confirmed to news.com.au that no spectators were arrested at Melbourne Park on Sunday night.
On Saturday night, tennis fans were treated to an incredible match between two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka and Madison Keys, with the underdog American sealing a popular breakthrough victory in three sets.
The 19th seed also spoke candidly about how “lots of therapy” allowed her to reach this point of her career at the age of 29.
But Italian Sinner is the man of the moment and the current standout in the men’s game.
Recap the men’s final below.
Originally published as Protestor calls out Alexander Zverev’s dark past after Aus Open final
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