Tennis Fans Tussle Over Aryna Sabalenka's Headband After Australian Open Game

Two tennis fans at the Australian Open were removed by security after they began fighting over the headband of Belarusian star Aryna Sabalenka at Melbourne Park on Wednesday, January 16.

Sabalenka, 20, threw her sweaty headband into the crowd after she defeated Katie Boulter 6-3, 6-4, in the second round.

Sabalenka’s gesture sparked a scuffle between two women who struggled to gain possession of her discarded headpiece. Footage by Melbourne-based radio host Jedd Zetzer shows neither woman giving an inch as they struggle over the garment.

Zetzer said on Twitter that the women were escorted out by security. “They also took the headband away as neither of the ladies would let go,” he wrote.

Speaking to local media, Cathy Willet, one of the women involved in the tussle, said she had been cheering on Sabalenka all week. “She looked at me when she threw the headband and I got most of it, but this woman next to me started fighting with me for it," she said.

Willet said security confiscated the headband and were yet to return her calls its ownership. Credit: Jedd Zetzer via Storyful