A fan who voiced her protest against Alexander Zverev following the Australian Open men’s final expressed her aim was to make the tennis player “experience his own discomfort”.
Shortly after Zverev’s defeat in the final on Sunday, a woman inside Rod Laver Arena shouted the names of two of the athlete’s former partners — Olga Sharypova and Brenda Patea — both of whom have alleged instances of physical abuse against him, stating “Australia believes” them. Zverev has consistently denied the allegations, and a case involving Patea was settled out of court last year with no admission of wrongdoing.
“Australia believes Olga and Brenda! Australia believes Olga and Brenda! Australia believes Olga and Brenda!” she shouted.
As Zverev approached the microphone during the trophy presentation, the woman repeated the statement three times, prompting booing and whistling from some members of the crowd.
Security escorted her out of the arena, where she was briefly detained by police, although no charges were pressed.
In an interview with tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg, the woman, identified as “Nina”, proclaimed herself a genuine admirer of the sport but expressed disappointment at the indifference towards significant issues like domestic violence.
“I’ve been quite outraged ever since Sascha has been able to carry on with his career, receiving accolades and applause on global platforms,” Nina remarked.
“It raises a question in my mind about whether most people genuinely care about the voices and well-being of victims.”
Zverev speaks after his defeat in the Open final. Getty
Nina mentioned that domestic violence is a deeply personal matter for her and her family, which motivated her to voice her support for the victims.
“Growing up, I was a huge fan of Jelena Dokic and I still am,” she shared. “Her father unfortunately reminds me a lot of my own.”
“I’ve read her books and watched her documentary. It’s always angered me when people say they didn’t know or didn’t realise they needed to intervene.”
“From my own experience, numerous individuals are aware of domestic violence, even when it’s kept quiet. This culture of silence shields men from facing consequences. It protected my father from ever being held accountable.”
Nina revealed that her protest was not spontaneous but rather premeditated.
“I spoke with my sisters about my intention to call out the tennis star and strategically positioned myself for maximum effect once the match concluded,” she explained.
“I sat at the end of the court near his player’s box,” she continued. “All night, people were cheering ‘Sascha! Sascha! Sascha!’ It was unsettling. He may attempt to intimidate individuals — be it the ATP, journalists, or anyone else — into silencing the story. But I wanted him to understand that tennis enthusiasts recognise and care about the experiences of those women. And we 100% believe them.”
“Nina” seen during her protest following the men’s final. Getty
“I decided right at match point to head down to the end of the Melbourne signing; I was aware of where the media seats were. I wanted to be close enough for you all to ideally hear me,” she recounted. “And I wanted Olya’s and Brenda’s names to echo throughout that arena.”
“I had planned all day to say something,” she reflected. “I was certain there would be a moment before he spoke when it would become quieter.”
Just before he reached the microphone and silence enveloped Rod Laver Arena, Nina seized her opportunity.
“I aimed for Brenda and Olga, along with all domestic violence survivors, to know they are not forgotten, even when their abusers are celebrated on a global platform,” she stated.
“I wanted Sascha to feel his own discomfort, to realise that we will not forget, even if he wishes to brush it off. As an Eastern European woman raised in an abusive environment where silence prevailed regarding ‘household matters’, I longed for my voice to resonate.”
During his post-match press conference, Zverev was questioned regarding the protest he experienced on court.
“I believe there are no further accusations,” Zverev replied. “There haven’t been for what — nine months now? … I think I’ve done everything possible, and I’m not going to revisit that topic again.”
On the very day Zverev reached the Roland-Garros final last June, news broke from Berlin that a district court concluded a trial arising from Sharypova’s claim of domestic violence during a 2020 dispute.
The resolution was reached with the agreement of both state prosecutors and the lawyers representing Zverev and his former partner.
Zverev has previously denied an assault accusation from Patea. The allegation prompted an investigation from the men’s professional tennis tour, with the ATP declaring in January 2023 that there was insufficient evidence.
“I’m thrilled that Olga and Brenda’s narratives are being brought to light by the media for the first time,” Nina mentioned.
“I’m taken aback by the impact. This wasn’t about seeking attention for myself. I appreciate the support from friends and family; they’ve shared positive feedback with me online, and I’m happy to see that. I hope Olga and Brenda feel the same level of positivity.”
However, Nina expressed dismay at the comments made by Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley regarding the incident.
In an interview with Melbourne radio station 3AW this week, Tiley stated that the fan’s message to Zverev “spoiled” the moment for others involved.
“My immediate thought was: Who have I spoiled the event for? Australians are known for their vocal presence at sporting events. I only voiced five words; none of which were offensive. Those words were positive, conveying support for victims.”
Nina elaborated on the “elitism factor” present in tennis, which often leads to topics like domestic violence being silenced.
She aspires for her actions to embolden others to follow suit.
“I hope this kind of disruption occurs everywhere,” Nina stated regarding her protest. “I believe Olga, I believe Brenda, and I sincerely wish that man doesn’t find a moment’s peace. [At the very least, I hope he no longer enjoys thunderous applause and support wherever he competes].”
Help is accessible through the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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