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'Disgraceful': Nick Kyrgios crowd support sparks ugly Aus Open debate

Nick Kyrgios (pictured right) celebrates winning at the Australian Open and (pictured left) fans cheering on Nick Kyrgios.
The crowds antics supporting Nick Kyrgios (pictured) at the Australian Open have been questioned over whether they crossed the line. (Getty Images)

The boisterous and often raucous support from the Australian Open crowd for home-favourites Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis has been slammed after tension boiled over during their doubles victory on Tuesday.

Kyrgios and Kokkinakis progressed through to the Australian Open men's doubles semi-finals after a hell-raising quarter-final victory.

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The Aussie's duo's wildly popular run through the doubles bracket continued in front of possibly the most raucous crowd yet at Melbourne Park, claiming a 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 win over Michael Venus and Tim Peütz.

Kyrgios and Kokkinakis have rejuvenated the nation's thirst for doubles action and the enthusiasm has boiled over with members of the crowd yelling 'siu' - Cristiano Ronaldo's celebration - between points at all stages of the match.

Members of the crowd also yelled out in the middle of Venus' service action and during the point in the chaotic scenes.

At one stage, Kyrgios was warned for a time violation for taking too long between serves.

Venus erupted and called for the chair umpire to take action.

However, Venus then appeared to mock Kyrgios and tossed the ball up a number of times before his serve.

The crowd cheer on Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios against Tim Puetz and Mark Venus on day 9 of the 2022 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 25, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia.
The crowd react to Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios against Tim Puetz and Mark Venus on day 9 of the 2022 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 25, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Getty Images) (Future Publishing via Getty Images)

This sparked an absolutely fierce reaction from the crowd.

Kyrgios complained to the chair umpire, before smashing his racquet following the point.

The Aussie maverick created a vociferous reaction inside Kia Arena, however many spectators around the world thought the actions of the crowd crossed the line.

This was no more evident than when members of the crowd attempted to put Venus off during his serve.

Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios (pictured) celebrate wining at the 2022 Australian Open at Melbourne Park.
Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios (pictured) at the 2022 Australian Open at Melbourne Park. (Photo credit should read Chris Putnam/Future Publishing via Getty Images) (Future Publishing via Getty Images)

“This is unprecedented,” Commentator Sam Groth said on Chanel Nine.

“Have you ever seen a tennis match go this way? I haven’t. Kyrgios and Venus are completely at each other right now here in the third set.”

Fans were quick to debate whether the crowd crossed the line, or if the electric atmosphere was good for tennis.

Nick Kyrgios' post-match interview

Kyrgios and Kokkinakis have certainly done well to garner tennis fans' attention back on doubles.

Speaking after the match, both Kyrgios and Kokkinakis praised their fans and asked for more from the devoted and spirited that attend the semi-final.

"I'm not finished, I want to win this f***ing thing to be honest bro," Kyrgios said on Channel 9 after the match.

"It's been incredible, I think that was the toughest pair we've played, they brought some serious tennis today, it wasn't easy.

"As long as I'm playing this sport and playing in Australia, you sure will have a show."

Kokkinakis was in agreement, egging the crowd on the bring more noise in their semi-final.

"It wouldn't be a doubles match with us if there wasn't any controversy, everyone seems to have a problem," he quipped.

"Keep rustling some feathers guys, I don't mind it if I'm honest."

Kokkinakis later told the crowd to 'sink p**s and come here' when asked where the semi-final should be held.

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