Key Points
- A touching moment between defending champion Aryna Sabalenka and former world no. 4 Jelena Dokic is being widely shared.
- The world no. 2 progressed to the Australian Open women's final to be held this Saturday 27 January.
- Reporters at the Australian Open have questioned whether Alexander Zverev should be suspended while he is being investigated over allegations of domestic abuse.
This article contains references to domestic violence.
Aryna Sabalenka captivated the hearts of the crowd at Rod Laver Arena with a compassionate act during a post-match interview.
The defending Australian Open champion beat American player Coco Gauff 7-6, 6-4 on Thursday night to go through to Saturday's women's final.
But it was the Belarusian's touching moment with former world no. 4 Jelena Dokic after the match that stirred the arena emotionally.
"You gave me a towel, they’re precious, everyone wants one," Dokic said.
"What I want to do, if you're OK with it, can you sign it, because then we will auction it off for kids and women affected by domestic violence. Is that OK?"
The 25-year-old responded by offering Dokic a second towel to auction off, to roaring applause from tennis-goers.
Dokic is a vocal advocate for abuse victims and has been very candid about what she endured at the hands of her father throughout her childhood and career.
Why is ATP's lack of domestic abuse policy in the spotlight?
The feel-good moment between the two women came as the ATP - men's governing body for professional tennis - faces scrutiny over a lack of domestic abuse policy.
World No. 6 Alexander Zverev denies an allegation that he assaulted his former girlfriend in 2020.
Despite the allegations hanging over him, Zverev was elected by his peers for a two-year term to the player advisory council of the ATP, the body that runs men's professional tennis.
Reporters at the Australian Open have questioned whether the ATP should suspend him from playing during the investigation after similar action in the NBA and football.
Alexander Zverev also faced allegations of domestic violence with previous partner Olga Sharypova in 2019, which he fought has repeatedly denied. Source: AAP / IPA/Sipa USA
He dismissed suggestions that he was not the right person to hold a leadership position.
"Journalists are saying that, some, who are actually interested more in this story to write about and more about the clicks than the actual truth," he said.
World no 1 Iga Swiatek was asked whether it was appropriate for Zverev to still be playing, replying: "There's no good answer to that. I think it's up to ATP what they decide.
"For sure it's not good when a player who's facing charges like that is kind of being promoted."
If you or someone you know is impacted by family and domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
The Men’s Referral Service, operated by No to Violence, can be contacted on 1300 766 491.
