Australian Open tennis: Melbourne crowd’s ‘shameful’ act spoils Australian Open final

A chorus of boos echoed through the Rod Laver Arena before Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev addressed the crowd after the Australian Open final.

Djokovic secured an incredible ninth title at Melbourne Park, the 18th Grand Slam crown of his career, by beating Medvedev in straight sets while hosting a masterclass in the Victorian capital.

Tennis Australia President Jayne Hrdlicka took the stage during the post-match ceremony on Sunday night and would not have expected the reaction that was sparked by some of her comments.

After congratulating the two athletes, Hrdlicka thanked various groups and individuals while also addressing the coronavirus pandemic.

Needless to say, some of his comments were not well received by the Melbourne crowd.

The first moment to elicit a negative reaction was Hrdlicka’s mention of the recent launch of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“It was a moment of heartfelt defiance. It was a moment of great loss and an extraordinary sacrifice for all,” Hrdlicka said.

“With vaccines on the way, rolling out in many countries around the world, now is a time for optimism and hope for the future.”

That sparked a cacophony of boos from the crowd. Whether the stands were filled with anti-vaccines or viewers were simply expressing their frustration at the time it took for the launch to begin in Australia, their response was impossible to miss.

Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith tweeted: “People who boo vaccines in the #ausopen need to carefully analyze their privilege. Shameful behavior.”

The crowd erupted into another roar of boos after Hrdlicka thanked the Victorian government for its support.

Prime Minister Daniel Andrews has a large following in his home state, but there are also many who are unhappy with the strict lockdowns he imposed as Victoria fought to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“There are so many other people to thank who allowed this great night to take place in the past few weeks,” Hrdlicka said.

“The top of that list is a Victorian government, without you we could not have done this.”

Viewers repeatedly interrupted Hrdlicka, and the TA president finally lost her patience and said coldly, “When you’re done …”

Hrdlicka added: “You guys are a very stubborn bunch of people, but whether you are at home or here tonight, we are truly grateful that you are here. We look forward to seeing you next year.”

There was a lot of criticism reserved for the response of the crowd.

Former Australian tennis star Rennae Stubbs tweeted: “These fan boos are a shame! Honestly! Grow up!”

Journalist Isabelle Lane posted: “Embarrassing scenes in this #AusOpen presentation. Tennis Australia boss Jayne Hrdlicka booed from the crowd when she mentioned the launch of the coronavirus vaccine and thanked the Victorian government for the event. Hrdlicka he didn’t thank the Melbourne / Vic people. “

Cricket reporter Danyal Rasool tweeted: “Booing the Victorian government, one of the few in the world that actually took the steps that allowed them to sit in the crowd to boo in the first place, is a new level of self-awareness. To fail. “

Djokovic has yet to taste defeat in a final at Rod Laver Arena and proved once again why he is unstoppable on the hard courts of Melbourne Park, teaching his opponent a brutal lesson in the second final defeat of the Russian Grand Slam.

A wild and rocking first set gave way to Djokovic’s unrivaled dominance as the world No. 1 stormed to a 7-5 6-2 6-2 victory, giving him his 18th major singles title, just two. less than his closest rivals Roger Federer and Rafael. Nadal.

During the second set, play was halted midway when spectators began to shout as part of a protest, forcing the referee to call for a let and for the point to be replayed.

Medvedev capitulated in the third set and lost his temper when Djokovic rolled over him.