Alexander Zverev heckled over domestic violence allegations during Munich Open quarter-finals

Alexander Zverev’s quarter-final meeting with Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor in the Munich Open was interrupted by a heckler, who targeted the German top seed over the domestic violence allegations against him. The heckler was later ejected from the stands after the top seed had a word with the chair umpire.

Zverev was heckled while serving at 5-5 in the second set when the supporter yelled: “Let’s go, you… wifebeater!”

The three-time Grand Slam finalist did not react at first, composing himself while several other spectators jeered the heckler. He won the game but during the changeover spoke to chair umpire Fergus Murphy.

“Fergus, please kick him out,” Zverev said.

For the second time this year, someone in the crowd shouted at Alexander Zverev about the domestic violence accusations against him...this time in his home country of Germany. pic.twitter.com/ClWt5ROuMB

— Tennis Blockade (@tennisblockade) April 18, 2025

Organisers confirmed the spectator was removed from the stands.

“Unfortunately ,there are always one or two idiots in the stadium. That is no problem,” Zverev later told reporters.

Zverev was also heckled before making his runners-up speech at the Australian Open in January. The 27-year-old had lost to world No 1 Jannik Sinner, who won the final 6-3, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 while competing under a doping cloud.

In June last year, Zverev’s lawyers said he had agreed a settlement after the mother of his child, Brenda Patea, accused him of physical abuse and a German court closed the case.

Zverev has repeatedly denied the allegations.

He eventually beat Griekspoor 6-7(6) 7-6(3) 6-4 in a match lasting over three hours, avenging his loss to the Dutchman at Indian Wells last month.

On for the hat-trick 💪@AlexZverev reaches his first final in Munich since 2018 as he defeats Fabian Marozsan 7-6 6-3 🔥#BMWOpen pic.twitter.com/l1VDtPxAzs

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 19, 2025

“I don’t even care if it was a roller-coaster ride, I won.” Zverev said.

“The crowd carried me to victory. I was already mentally exhausted, but they cheered me on in the decisive phase.”

Zverev will face Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan in the semi-finals.

With Reuters inputs