The demonstrator who shouted Melbourne Park stands After the Australian Open final, revealed how she made the decision to interrupt the post-match ceremony.
In a large interview With independent tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg“Nina” said that she was a big tennis fan who thought that sport had been apathetic on questions like domestic violence.
Nina, not her real name, shouted “Australia believes that Olya and Brenda! Australia believes that Olya and Brenda! Australia believes Olya and Brenda!” During the last men’s finalist, Alexander Zverev, in reference to allegations of domestic violence against the German star.
Olya Sharypova first did her allegations in an interview with Rothenberg in Racquet magazine in 2020. Sharypova did not continue complaints with the police or via the court, and the ATP said there was no insufficient evidence to support allegations.
Brenda Patea made her allegations in 2023, leading to a sheltered regulation in 2024 which did not include an admission of guilt of Zverev and ended without any criminal record against his name.
Brenda Patea arrived in court in 2024 after having made her allegations against former partner Zverev. (Getty Images: Jens Kalaene / Picture Alliance))
Zverev denied allegations throughout.
“I think there are no more accusations. There was not for, what, nine months now?” Zverev said after his match.
“Good for her (Nina). I think she was the only one in the stadium to believe anything at that time. If it is, good for her.
“I think I have done everything I can, and I’m not about to open this subject.”
Nina said she had been in the female final the day before and was torn out of the demonstration.
“I am a real fan … I was at five sessions (this year), I believe, before the men’s final,” she said.
“I love this sport. I don’t like his apathy to these important subjects.”
ATP does not currently have a specifically policy concerning allegations of domestic violence.
“I decided at Match Point, I would come back at the end of Melbourne’s sign, because I know where the media seats are,” she said.
“I wanted to be close enough to you all to get along.
“And I wanted the names of Olya and Brenda to be heard in this arena.”
After the demonstration, Nina said she had been escorted from the room for security, before the police told her that she had been excluded from the place for 24 hours.
“I said to the cop,” what a shame I’m going to miss the game of tomorrow “”, remembers Nina.
“He didn’t understand it.”
Nina said she had been surprised by the attention that the demonstration received.
“I am delighted that the stories of Olya and Brenda are summarized by the media and highlighted by other media for the very first time,” she said.
“I am surprised by the impact. It was never a question of attention for me. I am grateful for friends and family who show me support; they shared with me positive comments online, and I am happy to see it. I hope that Olya and Brenda will experience and attend the same positivity.”
The full interview can be read On the Rothenberg website rebounds.
