
Audio By Carbonatix
Alexander Zverev was heckled by a spectator over domestic abuse allegations during the Australian Open men's singles trophy ceremony.
The German second seed lost in straight sets to world number one Jannik Sinner in Melbourne.
As he stepped up to receive his runners-up trophy, a spectator loudly shouted: "Australia believes Olya and Brenda."
The 27-year-old was accused of violence by his former girlfriend Olya Sharypova in 2020 and of domestic abuse in 2023 by Brenda Patea, with whom he has a child.
Zverev has repeatedly denied both sets of allegations and a Berlin court case brought by Patea was discontinued last year.
Asked afterwards about the heckles, Zverev said: "Good for her. I think she was the only one in the stadium who believed anything in that moment.
"I believe there are no more accusations. There haven't been for, what, nine months now.
"I think I've done everything I can, and I'm not about to open that subject again."
In October 2020, former girlfriend Sharypova accused Zverev of violence and emotional abuse during their relationship. Zverev denied the allegations and said they were "unfounded".
Sharypova did not press charges, and a 15-month investigation by the men's ATP Tour found there was "insufficient evidence" to substantiate claims made by Sharypova and so Zverev did not face disciplinary action.
In November 2023, Zverev was given a penalty order and fined by a German court after being accused of physically abusing his ex-girlfriend Patea.
Zverev denied the claims and lodged an objection against the order, which resulted in a public trial.
The trial was discontinued in June 2024 after a settlement was agreed between the defendant and the complainant.
At the time, the court told BBC Sport: "The decision is not a verdict and it is not a decision about guilt or innocence."
Latest Stories
-
GES debunks viral claim that floodwaters destroyed WASSCE papers
25 seconds -
Mindful Governance brings Karl George MBE’s AI Wake-Up Call to Ghana’s boards
5 minutes -
Solomon Owusu accuses South African government of backing attacks on Ghanaians
14 minutes -
Finance Ministry releases GH¢350 million for flood relief and mitigation following Mahama directive
46 minutes -
Flood-hit Ghana Digital Centres says staff not dismissed, contracts only temporarily suspended
1 hour -
No severe rainfall expected today, but showers likely over weekend – GMet
1 hour -
Today’s front pages: Thursday, July 2, 2026
1 hour -
Finance Ministry credits GH¢350m to flood relief and mitigation accounts
2 hours -
GMTF advances rollout of Medicines List to improve access to specialised treatment
2 hours -
Mahama rallies traditional leaders for Free Primary Healthcare policy
2 hours -
We are losing huge capital, amidst debts and hypertension – Takoradi market traders lament
2 hours -
Fair Wages Commission pledges 90% reduction in strikes
2 hours -
Be emboldened by virtues of murdered judges to dispense justice fairly – Moderator
2 hours -
‘Prioritise flood control funding’ – Haruna Iddrisu urges Parliament
2 hours -
Shippers decry container evacuation delays at Tema Port
3 hours