'Disrespectful': Tennis world stunned over 'ridiculous' Aus Open drama
The tennis world has reacted with sympathy and shock after Aussie mixed doubles pair Jaimee Fourlis and Jason Kubler took to the court at early 1am following Daniil Medvedev's epic quarter-final match at the Australian Open.
Medvedev summoned up astonishing reserves of spirit and quality to win 6-7 (4-7), 3-6, 7-6 (7-2), 7-5, 6-4 against Felix Auger-Aliassime in a near-five hour classic that finished close to 1am.
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But in a bizarre decision, the Australian Open remained steadfast and allowed Fourlis and Kubler to take the court against Lucie Hradecka from the Czech Republic and Gonzalo Escobar from Ecuador.
A few fans stuck around to watch the match and were greeted with the announcer declaring: "Good morning".
The spectators that stayed were fortunate enough to see an Aussie win after Fourlis and Kubler saved match point to prevail 2-7, 7-6 (10-6) in a super tie break.
The match finished after 1 hour and 35 minutes, which was past 2am.
While the Aussie pair marched on, the scheduling of the match drew a mixed reaction from viewers.
Some found the rule that players can still take to the court in the early hours of the morning 'ridiculous'.
While others found the treatment for another Aussie pair, Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis, was wildly different to Fourlis and Kubler.
By the way it's 1245 am and they're warming up for the second match on Rod Laver Arena tonight
Mixed doubles anyone? Looks like there are actually a few takers. Aussies love their sport— Christopher Clarey 🇺🇸 🇫🇷 🇪🇸 (@christophclarey) January 26, 2022
So many great stories this @AustralianOpen …. Aussies Fourlis/Kubler making the mixed doubles final one of them #AusOpen https://t.co/R2jJpi84AI
— Luke Dennehy (@LukeDennehy) January 26, 2022
One of the best things about the @AustralianOpen is these late matches, fair play to the 4 players finishing their match at 2.30am local time #AusOpen #mixeddoubles https://t.co/bEqj5riGRE
— Martin Cleary (@Martin_Cleary1) January 26, 2022
No match should be scheduled that late... Unfair for all
— Vishal (@jain_vvp) January 26, 2022
Schedule doubles matches better. They deserve it. Not just Kyrgios and Kokkinakis. #AusOpen
— kouy (@kouytweets) January 26, 2022
I actually quite like mixed doubles, but who would watch a match starting at 1 am? #AusOpen
— Guido Tresoldi (@GuidoTresoldi) January 26, 2022
BG, is it a bit disrespectful to start a semis mixed doubles match at 12:45am?
— Michael Rod Taylor (@nyrealestateman) January 26, 2022
One of the most ridiculous practices ever in sports @christophclarey . Hewitt-Baghdatis ends at like 5a in the morning? Great for kids who love tennis. Can I stay up 9 hours past my bedtime Mom?
— Randy Master (@randymmaster) January 26, 2022
Despite the frustration, the Aussie pair will now take part in the Australian Open mixed doubles final against Kristina Mladenovic and Ivan Dodig.
Nick Kyrgios' doubles Aus Open resurgence
Kyrgios and Kokkinakis' doubles semi-final will be played on Rod Laver Arena, Australian Open officials have announced in a huge nod to the duo's popularity.
The Australian pair's prior four matches have attracted packed crowds at the Kia Arena, with the intense atmosphere frustrating several opponents along the way.
In a move reflective of the huge showing of support for the duo, Australian Open boss Craig Tiley announced on Wednesday that the doubles match, as well as the wheelchair final featuring fellow Aussie Dylan Alcott, would be moved to the larger stadium.
Fan will be allowed to access both matches with either a ground pass or a Thursday pass to Rod Laver Arena, both of which will cost the same.
Tiley said in the wake of Alcott being awarded Australian of the Year and having announced his tennis retirement late last year, that it was his goal to have the match be the most attended wheelchair final in the sport's history.
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