Alexander Zverev’s quarter-final match at the BMW Open was disrupted by a spectator referencing past domestic abuse allegations. The German, currently ranked World No. 3, was facing Tallon Griekspoor when the incident occurred late in the second set.
As Zverev led 6-5, a heckler shouted comments related to a 2020 accusation made by his former girlfriend. Zverev immediately requested the individual be removed, telling umpire Fergus Murphy, “Fergus, Fergus, please kick him out,” before adding, “It’s the same guy who did the same thing before my second serve once.”
Zverev ultimately won the match 6-7, 7-6, 6-4 and is set to face Fabian Marozsan in the semi-finals. It remains unclear if the heckler was removed from the venue.
Background on Allegations
The 27-year-old resolved a legal case in June 2024 by paying £171,000 to terminate proceedings brought by a former partner. Zverev has consistently denied the allegations and emphasized that the settlement did not include any admission of guilt. His legal team stated, “The settlement includes no determination or admission of guilt. The presumption of innocence remains.”
A separate 15-month investigation by the ATP into similar allegations was closed in January 2023 with no disciplinary action taken.
Zverev addressed the situation publicly last year:
“I believe in the German legal system. I know what I did and didn’t do. I believe there’s absolutely no chance I lose this.”
This latest incident follows a previous episode at the Australian Open where a spectator shouted, “Australia believes Olya and Brenda,” during Zverev’s runner-up speech, referencing the two women who accused him.
