Tennis Australia helps respond to pro-Palestinian protesters during Australian Open sixth seed Alexander Zverev's match, who criticized the tournament for its security team's slow response and inconsistent approach He expressed his gratitude to the two audience members who attended.
Monday night's protests were the most significant disruption to a tournament that has so far proceeded with little controversy.
After defeating Cameron Norrie to book his place in the quarter-finals, Zverev said security staff should have acted more quickly.
“I understand they're all doing their job, but I don't think other fans should drag other fans down when something like this happens,” he said. said.
“Security should be here soon. It shouldn't take more than three or four minutes.”
Midway through the match, as Norrie struggled to hold his serve for a break in the third set, a woman threw a paper onto the court from behind Zverev from the front row of Margaret Court Arena. Some of the pieces had the words “Liberate Palestine” written on them.
A member of the audience stood up and began wrestling with the woman, causing the crowd to cheer. A second person also helped the woman up the stairs.
“Two patrons proactively called security to stop the protesters and we thank them for their actions,” Tennis Australia said in a statement.
Norrie said he never felt threatened. “That's what it is, that's what's been happening lately,” he said. “I think there were some fans who actually helped out.”
Zverev said he was “surprised” it took so long to respond to the incident, given how tight security was at the tournament away from the court.
He described a situation where he was barred from the players' gym because he didn't have certification, even though he came from the players' locker room.
“When something like this happens, it takes three or four minutes for someone to show up,” he said. “I think it should be the other way around.”
The controversy is not the first time German athletes have been embroiled in the tournament.
After newsletter promotion
Zverev, who is a member of the ATP Players Council, will go on trial in May on charges that he physically abused ex-girlfriend Brenda Patea in 2020, which he denies.
On Monday night, the 26-year-old said he empathizes with the protesters.
“There's obviously a lot going on in the world, a lot of pretty bad things happening, and I understand that some people are frustrated,” he said.
“Of course, the tennis match is not particularly relevant. I also understand both sides.”
Victoria Police said a small group of patrons told officers they threw pamphlets at the nearby Kia Arena and scattered other patrons at the entrance to Garden Square.
A police spokesperson said: “Police have detained a 35-year-old woman and a 36-year-old woman for further details.''
“The two individuals were instructed to leave the event. No criminal activity was detected in this incident.”
Tennis Australia said people attempting to disrupt the event would be removed.
