Alexander Zverev was comprehensively beaten by world No.1 Jannik Sinner in a one-side Australian Open final, before he was heckled by an member of the crowd as he prepared to make his post-match speech.
Defending champion Sinner beat Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena, making him the first Italian man or woman to hold three Grand Slam singles titles.
Sinner has not lost a match on hard courts at a major since a defeat by Zverev in the fourth round of the US Open in 2023, following up his maiden major title in Melbourne last year by winning in New York.
A repeat never looked on the cards, with Sinner showcasing all the qualities that have made him virtually untouchable on the surface.
Zverev was clearly distressed as he came to terms with his third defeat in a Grand Slam final and he then faced an uncomfortable moment as he prepared to speak to the crowd.
The German has faced accusations of domestic abuse from former partners Olga Sharypova and Brenda Patea, which he strongly denies.
Yet a fan took her moment to highlight that history by yelling at Zverev as he received his runners-up trophy.
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“Australia Believes Olya and Brenda! Australia Believes Olya and Brenda!” screamed the woman in the crowd.
Zverev was clearly unsettled by the moment, as he looked into the crowd and took time to compose himself before offering his post-match thoughts.
“It sucks standing next to this thing and not being able to touch it,” said Zverev looking at the Australian Open trophy.
“Congrats to Jannik. You’re the best player in the world by far. I was hoping I could be more competitive today. You’re just too good. You really deserve it. Congrats to your team as well. There’s no one that deserves this trophy more.
“I am just not good enough. I tried my best, but he was too good for me.”
The incident with a member of the crowed will be a talking point, with Zverev keen to move on from the story after a court case was terminated last June after a settlement was reached with ex-partner Patea.
Zverev has always maintained his innocence and the settlement does not include an admission of guilt.
A court spokesperson told the PA news agency: “I can confirm that the court has terminated the proceedings with the consent of the public prosecution office.
“The defendant must pay an amount of 200,000 euros. Of this, 150,000 euros go to the state treasury, the rest goes to non-profit organisations.
“The decision is not a verdict and it does not involve a decision about guilt or innocence.
“One decisive factor for the court decision was that the witness has expressed her wish to end the trial. The defendant agreed to the termination of the case.”