Alexander Zverev was interrupted by a pro-Palestine protester during his on-court conference after his quarterfinal victory over Carlos Alcaraz in the 2024 Australian Open with a score of 6-1, 6-3, 6-7(2), 6-4. The spectator shouted just before ‘Sascha’ could answer the question and received boos from the crowd.
The 26-year-old German surprised the world No. 2 and booked a meeting with Daniil Medvedev in his 7th appearance in Grand Slam semifinals over five consecutive seasons. His first time in the semifinals was precisely at the Aussie Open in 2020, but he fell short against Dominic Thiem.
In the match against Carlos Alcaraz, the former world No. 2 displayed a tennis masterclass, outclassing the Spanish player for much of the match, securing a near-perfect day with a 6-1, 6-3, 6-7(2), 6-4 victory.
Just as Zverev was asked about the match, a spectator seized the second of silence to shout “Free, free Palestine!” and interrupted ‘Sascha’s’ response, which he and the Australian audience didn’t appreciate, responding with loud boos. Eventually, Zverev could address his upcoming opponent, Daniil Medvedev, in the on-court interview.
Next challenge: Daniil Medvedev
The duo has an 11-7 head-to-head record, with Medvedev in the lead, winning five of their last six matches. Despite being part of the ATP Tour’s leaders for over 5 years, they have never faced each other in a Grand Slam tournament.
Zverev acknowledged his recent struggles against the Russian but expressed hope to change the situation in Melbourne, saying, “Yeah, he’s been kicking my a** a lot over the last year or so. But maybe this will be it, this will be the place. I mean, I don’t know. I’m counting on all of you guys [for] support.”
After Jim Courier gave Sascha Zverev his first question, a fan yells “Free Free Palestine” before some others fans boo that.#ausopen pic.twitter.com/oKTeTempuJ
— Andrew Jerell Jones, Luke 1:37 (IG:twdbk3) (@sluggahjells) January 24, 2024