Alexander Zverev Faces Heckling Over Domestic Abuse Allegations at 2025 French Open
Alexander Zverev, world No. 3, was heckled during his fourth-round match at the 2025 French Open on June 1, with a spectator referencing domestic abuse allegations made by former partners Olya Sharypova and Brenda Patea, per Express.co.uk. This marks the third time this year Zverev has faced such disruptions, following incidents at the Australian Open and Munich Open, highlighting ongoing scrutiny and resilience akin to athletes like Luke Humphries and Jasmine Paolini.
**The Incident**
During Zverev’s 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-2 win over Tallon Griekspoor on Court Philippe-Chatrier, a fan reportedly shouted, “Justice for Olya and Brenda,” as Zverev prepared to serve in the third set, per Express.co.uk, @DExpress_Sport. Zverev, visibly unsettled, approached chair umpire Clare Wood, requesting the spectator’s removal, saying, “Please, this can’t keep happening,” per Tennis.com. Security escorted the individual out, though tournament officials have not confirmed the ejection, per Reuters.com. Zverev regained focus, hitting 45 winners to advance to the quarter-finals against either Jannik Sinner or Jiri Lehecka, per ATPTour.com.
Background of Allegations
Zverev has faced allegations from two ex-partners. In 2020, Olya Sharypova accused him of physical and emotional abuse in 2019, including punching and smothering her, per Slate.com. She did not press charges, and an ATP investigation in 2023 found “insufficient evidence,” taking no action, per BBC.com. In 2023, Brenda Patea, mother of Zverev’s child, alleged he choked and pushed her in May 2020, leading to a €450,000 fine and penalty order, per Forbes.com. Zverev appealed, and the case was settled out of court in June 2024 for €200,000 with no admission of guilt, per SMH.com.au. Zverev has consistently denied all allegations, stating post-Australian Open, “I believe there are no more accusations,” per CNN.com.
**Previous Heckling Incidents**
This is not the first time Zverev has been targeted. At the 2025 Australian Open final on January 26, a woman shouted, “Australia believes Olya and Brenda,” during his runner-up speech after losing to Jannik Sinner (6-3, 7-6(4), 6-2), per The Athletic. Security removed her, and Zverev dismissed the heckler, saying, “She was the only one in the stadium who believed anything,” per People.com. On April 18, during a Munich Open quarter-final against Griekspoor, a fan yelled, “Let’s go, you wifebeater,” prompting Zverev to demand their removal, though it’s unclear if they were ejected, per BBC.co.uk.
**Public and Player Reactions**
The heckling has fueled debate. X posts, like @David_Challen’s, condemned Zverev, stating, “Abusers can’t buy innocence,” per, while @matte_johnson praised the Australian Open heckler’s bravery, per. Iga Swiatek criticized Zverev’s 2024 ATP Player Council role, saying it’s “not good” for a player facing charges to be promoted, per ESPN.com. Other players, like Alex de Minaur and Casper Ruud, avoided commenting, citing lack of expertise, per ESPN.com. The ATP’s lack of a domestic abuse policy remains contentious, despite a 2021 safeguarding review, per BBC.com.
**Zverev’s Response and Performance**
Zverev has maintained focus, reaching the 2025 French Open quarter-finals and winning the Munich ATP 500 and Rome Masters in 2024, per TennisNerd.net. Post-match, he avoided discussing the heckling, saying, “I’m here to play tennis, not to address old news,” per Tennis.com. His prediction that Carlos Alcaraz will reach the final shows his competitive mindset, per Express.co.uk. French Open director Amélie Mauresmo, addressing crowd behavior, noted increased security measures, per NBCsports.com.
**Parallels to Resilience**
Zverev’s handling of disruptions mirrors Humphries’ graciousness after beating Littler in the Premier League final, per Mirror.co.uk. Paolini’s defusal of a French Open fan fight and Andreeva’s bold fashion choice reflect composure, per SI.com, Motociclismo.pt. Wozniacki’s advice to Raducanu and Phil Taylor’s warning to Littler about sustained dedication highlight navigating scrutiny, per Sportskeeda.com, DailyRecord.co.uk.
**Conclusion**
Alexander Zverev was heckled over domestic abuse allegations during his 2025 French Open fourth-round win, with a fan shouting support for Olya Sharypova and Brenda Patea, per Express.co.uk. Following similar incidents in Australia and Munich, Zverev demanded the spectator’s removal, per Tennis.com. Despite settled cases with no guilt admitted, scrutiny persists, per SMH.com.au. Like Humphries’ sportsmanship, Paolini’s poise, and Sinner’s grit, Zverev presses on, facing Sinner or Lehecka next on June 3, live on TNT Sports.
