Alexander Zverev‘s loss in the Australian Open final on Sunday was followed by a startling moment during the trophy ceremony.
As Zverev stood at the microphone, a person in the stadium repeatedly shouted the names of two of his ex-girlfriends who have accused him of physical abuse in the past, saying “Australia believes” them.
The crowd’s reaction was mixed, with some booing and whistling in response to the interruption. At his post-match press conference, Zverev was asked about the incident.
“I believe there are no more accusations,” Zverev responded. “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.”
Last June, as Zverev reached the French Open final, news emerged that a Berlin district court had ended a trial stemming from a woman’s accusation of domestic violence during a 2020 argument. The resolution was reached with the agreement of state prosecutors and lawyers for Zverev and his former partner.
Zverev had previously denied another assault allegation made by a different woman. The ATP investigated her claims and stated in January 2023 that there was insufficient evidence.
