In the face of tennis' reluctance to act on allegations of domestic violence, Nina's stand at the men's Australian Open final was both courageous and important, writes Kate O'Halloran.

MELBOURNE, Australia — A heckler interrupted Alexander Zverev’s Australian Open final speech, appearing to make reference to the allegations of domestic abuse levied against him by two of his former partners, Olya Sharapova and Brenda Patea.

World No. 2 Alexander Zverev was forced to address previous domestic abuse allegations made against him after he was heckled by a member of the crowd after the Australian Open final on Sunday.

Jannik Sinner cruised to his second straight Australian Open title and third major overall, beating Alexander Zverev in a one-sided final.

MELBOURNE, Australia — Jannik Sinner beat Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-3 in the Australian Open final at Melbourne Park Sunday. The No. 1 seed prevailed over the No. 2 seed in a match ultimately decided by Zverev’s discomfort when coming forward, Sinner’s underrated first serve, and a kiss of death from the net.

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner defended his Australian Open title on Sunday, comfortably defeating Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3 in the men’s final to secure his third career grand slam win.

Jannik Sinner, right, of Italy holds the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup after defeating Alexander Zverev of Germany in the men’s singles final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Alexander Zverev is heckled over domestic abuse allegations during the trophy ceremony after the Australian Open men's singles final.

The 27-year-old German waited for the commotion to die down - the woman was removed by security - and made no reference to the protest in his speech.

Moments after Alexander Zverev’s loss in the Australian Open final, a person in the stadium yelled out the names of two of the tennis star’s ex-girlfriends who have accused him of physical abuse