'Do better': Star calls out Aus Open crowd after 'embarrassing' drama
Italian star Matteo Berrettini called out members of the crowd after a number of rowdy moments during his quarter-final clash against Gael Monfils at the Australian Open.
Berrettini won 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 3-6, 6-2 in a match that ended close to 1am on Rod Laver Arena.
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But as has been an unruly theme of the Australian Open in 2022, members of the crowd were boisterous at inappropriate times during the match.
One such incident occurred when Monfils was attempting to serve at 2-0 down in the fifth.
Chair umpire James Keothavong was forced to intervene as he called out the fans.
"If you don't want to watch, please leave," he said, before officials spoke to the particular members of the crowd.
Following the match, Berrettini was speaking to commentator Sam Groth about his next opponent in Rafa Nadal.
A fan appeared to yell: "Nadal is going to smash you.".
Ok so having listened back to the crowd shouting at Matteo Berrettini during his on court interview it may not have been f**k you it as first thought. But still who the hell abuses the loveliest man on the tour? Seriously Australian Open crowd- do better.
— what's the craic? (@whatsthecraic1) January 25, 2022
“I didn’t hear,” Berrettini replied, clearly frustrated.
“It’s full of people and I like it — some of them are not really tennis fans I think.”
The little dig at some of the rowdy fans, which has caused much debate at the Australian Open, prompted a round of applause for the Italian.
“It is what it is, you know. You cannot control everybody,” he added.
“I think to be respectful is something that you have to do anyway but it’s fine, I win, I’m happy.”
"Nadal's going to f*** you"
Berrettini showed remarkable composure not to take the bait.
What an embarrassment that clown in the crowd was.— James (@JOC__1991) January 25, 2022
If the French Open crowd had behaved 10% as badly as the Australian Open crowd throughout the tournament, we would never have heard the end of it. I don't ever remember anyone shouting what this numpty shouted during Berrettini's speech. Unbelievable.
— Céline Haddad (@tweetyceline) January 25, 2022
Rowdy Australian Open crowds divides viewers
A number of players have hit out at sections of the crowd during their time in Australia.
World No.2 Daniil Medvedev was the first to rip into the crowd after the 'siu' chants during his match with Nick Kyrgios.
On Tuesday, the chaotic crowd for home-favourites Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis was slammed after tension boiled over during their doubles victory.
Commentator Groth said he hadn't seen such tension during a match as the crowd rallied around the Aussies as things became fiery with their opponents.
“This is unprecedented,” 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.
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