Alexander Zverev tie interrupted as heckler draws attention to domestic abuse allegations

Alexander Zverev’s Bavarian International victory over Tallon Griekspoor was interrupted by a heckler referencing domestic abuse allegations made against the German. Leading 6-5 in the second set against his Dutch opponent, Zverev asked for a member of the crowd to be removed from the venue over the comments.

Last June, the 27-year-old settled a case brought by a former girlfriend. He paid £171,000 to terminate the case, but the fee was not an admission of guilt. Zverev has always maintained his innocence over an allegation that he abused his ex-girlfriend during an argument in 2020.

Zverev was reminded of the case during his match against Griekspoor. An individual sitting in the crowd made reference to the allegations.

Broadcast footage shows Zverev preparing to serve at 5-5 in the second set. He then clearly hears something being shouted, before a German individual’s voice is picked up by the courtside microphone.

At the change of ends, Zverev sat down to have a drink. More shouting is aimed at the world No. 3, who then asks umpire Fergus Murphy to have the man removed. “Fergus, Fergus, please kick him out?”

Murphy asks what the issue is, to which Zverev responds: “I don’t want to repeat it. It’s the same guy who did the same thing before my second serve once.”

Zverev went on to beat Griekspoor 6-7 7-6 6-4. He will play Fabian Marozsan in the semi-final tomorrow. It is unclear whether the individual who heckled Zverev was removed from their seat.

Express Premium Banner
Alexander Zverev tie interrupted as heckler draws attention to domestic abuse allegations
Alexander Zverev settled a court case last year after accusations of domestic abuse were made against the tennis world No. 3.
By Sam Smith
21:44, Fri, Apr 18, 2025 | UPDATED: 21:44, Fri, Apr 18, 2025
1
Bookmark

BMW Open 2025 – Day 7
Alexander Zverev wanted the heckler removed from the venue (Image: Getty)

Alexander Zverev’s Bavarian International victory over Tallon Griekspoor was interrupted by a heckler referencing domestic abuse allegations made against the German. Leading 6-5 in the second set against his Dutch opponent, Zverev asked for a member of the crowd to be removed from the venue over the comments.

Last June, the 27-year-old settled a case brought by a former girlfriend. He paid £171,000 to terminate the case, but the fee was not an admission of guilt. Zverev has always maintained his innocence over an allegation that he abused his ex-girlfriend during an argument in 2020.
Related articles

Zverev slams ‘terrible’ shock loss as Monte-Carlo Masters conqueror has his say
Alexander Zverev makes statement on following Carlos Alcaraz’s lead
Tsitsipas retires just minutes into Barcelona Open clash as opponent complains

Stay up-to-date with the latest Tennis news
Join us on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Zverev was reminded of the case during his match against Griekspoor. An individual sitting in the crowd made reference to the allegations.

Broadcast footage shows Zverev preparing to serve at 5-5 in the second set. He then clearly hears something being shouted, before a German individual’s voice is picked up by the courtside microphone.

At the change of ends, Zverev sat down to have a drink. More shouting is aimed at the world No. 3, who then asks umpire Fergus Murphy to have the man removed. “Fergus, Fergus, please kick him out?”

Murphy asks what the issue is, to which Zverev responds: “I don’t want to repeat it. It’s the same guy who did the same thing before my second serve once.”

Zverev went on to beat Griekspoor 6-7 7-6 6-4. He will play Fabian Marozsan in the semi-final tomorrow. It is unclear whether the individual who heckled Zverev was removed from their seat.

BMW Open 2025 – Day 7
Alexander Zverev settled a court case after he was accused of domestic abuse (Image: Getty)

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

In January 2023, the ATP closed a 15-month investigation that was launched after another ex-girlfriend made an allegation of domestic abuse against Zverev. He denies those accusations, too.

Speaking last summer, Zverev said: “I do believe in the German system. I do believe in the truth, as well. I have to be certain that I do know what I did, I do know what I didn’t do. I do believe that I’m not going to lose this procedure. There’s absolutely no chance I am.”

It comes after a member of the crowd heckled Zverev during his speech after he lost the Australian Open final against Jannik Sinner. They bellowed “Australia believes Olya and Brenda”, referencing the two women who made the allegations.

After the case was settled last year, Zverev’s legal team said: “The settlement includes no determination or admission of guilt. The presumption of innocence remains.”