By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Sunday, January 26, 2025
Photo credit: Shi Tang/Getty
The Australian Open got personal for Alexander Zverev after it ended.
A female fan in Rod Laver Arena screamed out the names of Zverev’s ex-girlfriends, who accused him of abuse, as he stood before the microphone ready to address fans during the trophy ceremony.
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World No. 1 Jannik Sinner did not drop serve sweeping Zverev 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 to successfully defend his Australian Open crown and run his winning streak to 21 matches.
Moments after match moment, a woman in the crowd yelled the names of Zverev’s ex-girlfriends adding “Australia believes [them]!”
Just as Zverev is about to speak at the trophy ceremony, a woman repeatedly shouts:“Australia Believes Olya and Brenda! Australia Believes Olya and Brenda!”
Broke through the silence.#AusOpen
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 26, 2025
“Wow,” Zverev said simply while waiting for the disruptor to stop.
The world No. 2 then delivered a gracious runner-up speech congratulating and praising Sinner as a worthy winner.
Asked about the outburst in his post-match presser, Zverev said “I think she was the only one in the stadium who believed anything in that moment.”
“I believe there are no more accusations,” Zverev told the media in Melbourne. 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.
“I think I’ve done everything I can, and I’m not about to open that subject again.”