The woman who interrupted Alexander Zverev’s Australian Open final speech has shared shocking details behind her dramatic protest, which made global headlines. Identified only as ‘Nina,’ she explained why she shouted, “Australia believes Olya and Brenda!” as Zverev was about to speak following his loss.

Her protest was linked to domestic violence allegations against the German tennis star. In 2020, Zverev’s former girlfriend, Olya Sharypova, accused him of assaulting her multiple times. Though the ATP conducted an independent investigation, Zverev faced no punishment due to insufficient evidence. Later, separate domestic abuse accusations were made by Brenda Patea, Zverev’s child’s mother, but the case was settled in court with no verdict of guilt or innocence. Zverev denied all wrongdoing in both cases.

Nina, a Melbourne local in her 30s, revealed that her own experience with domestic violence motivated her to speak out. She described growing up in an abusive environment where silence was used to protect perpetrators. Nina also emphasized that she felt compelled to act because Australia is currently facing a domestic violence crisis.

After careful planning, Nina chose the Australian Open final as the ideal moment to make her statement, knowing that the media would be nearby. Her bold protest involved shouting her message three times while targeting the media seating area. As she was escorted out by security, she faced jeers from some male spectators, prompting her to make a defiant gesture before leaving.

Nina was told by security she would be detained until police arrived, but was later given a 24-hour ban from Melbourne Park. While Nina was surprised by the impact of her protest, she criticized Australian Open CEO Craig Tiley for claiming she ruined the event. She defended her actions, stating, “I said five words; not one word was offensive.”

Following the incident, Nina faced online harassment and body-shaming. Zverev, who lost the final in straight sets to Jannik Sinner, initially ignored the protest but later remarked, “Good for her. She was the only one who believed anything.” Meanwhile, Tiley warned other spectators not to disrupt matches, labeling such behavior as ruining the experience for others.