(VIDEO) "Australia Believes Olya and Brenda": Alexander Zverev interrupted by heckler referencing alleged abuse cases
ATP
Alexander Zverev was interrupted by a heckler just as he was about to speak during his post match interview on court after being defeated by Jannik Sinner in the final of the 2025 Australia Open with references to his abuse cases.
Zverev settled his assault case last summer with Brenda Patea after she alleged that he pushed and strangled her. He was also accused of similar by Olya Sharypova, his ex-girlfriend. But he was never brought to court over those allegations.
Instead an ATP investigation was conducted in which no further disciplinary action was set to be taken by them around the matter which alleged to abuse that was alleged to take place during Shanghai in 2019.
"A major independent investigation into Alexander Zverev has found insufficient evidence to substantiate published allegations of abuse. As a result, no disciplinary action will be taken by ATP," wrote a statement at the time.
But it seems like while he has put it behind him, others aren't so forgiving of what he was accused of. Just as he was about to open his mouth, a woman broke through the silence shouting repeatedly. “Australia Believes Olya and Brenda! Australia Believes Olya and Brenda!”
After losing a final in crushing fashion again, it certainly isn't what Zverev would've wanted from it all. He was down on his display after defeat also.
"It sucks standing next to this thing and not being able to touch it. Congratulations to Jannik, you're the best player in the world by far," said Zverev. "I was hoping I could be more competitive today, but you're just too good. You really deserve it.
"Congratulations to your team as well. You've done all the right things. Nobody deserves this trophy more.
"We're trying to do all the right work, I'm just not good enough. It's as simple as that.
"But I really appreciate what everybody has done over the last few years, back from my ankle injury to world No.2, to playing Grand Slam finals again. I wouldn't be here without them."
pic.twitter.com/u72ojI0MOI https://t.co/ZnItPQB59l
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 26, 2025
Just as Zverev is about to speak at the trophy ceremony, a woman repeatedly shouts:
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 26, 2025
“Australia Believes Olya and Brenda! Australia Believes Olya and Brenda!”
Broke through the silence.#AusOpen
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