THE Australian Open saw a clash suspended and moved due to rowdy fan behaviour.
Wednesday night’s clash between No.29 men’s seed Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina had to be suspended and then moved due to passionate fan chanting on a neighbouring court.
The Australian Open clash between Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina was suspended[/caption]
The match was marred by disruption on a neighbouring court[/caption]
After 42 minutes of play the umpire announced they would be moving from court 8 to court 7[/caption]
The players went to collect and move their things before resuming the match on the other court[/caption]
The rivals were seven games into their court 8 match when it was suspended and moved over to court 7.
It came as a result of disruption coming from court 6, nicknamed the “party court” due to its proximity to one of the bars including one two-storey bar overlooking the court.
Auger-Aliassime and Davidovich Fokina were unable to carry on their second-round clash without interruption as French and British fans were heard loudly cheering respective players.
The party court saw Frenchman Arthur Cazaux taking on Scot Jacob Fearnley, with the atmosphere of the venue playing out like a Davis Cup match.
The umpire and supervisors on court 8 decided to move the match, which had been marred by disruption, after 42 minutes of play.
Both players convened at the net to discuss the matter before the decision was confirmed.
Much to fan disgruntlement an announcement by the umpire said: “Ladies and gentlemen, the match is now suspended on this court. We move to court 7 in just a few minutes.”
Play then immediately resumed following the move, with Davidovich Fokina serving at 3-4 in a tiebreak.
Canadian Auger-Aliassime went on to win the first two sets via tirbreak, but fell to a 3-2 defeat as Davidovich Fokina won the final three sets 6-4, 6-1, 6-3.
Meanwhile, Cazaux also triumphed in his first set before falling to a four-set defeat to his British rival.
The win sealed Fearnley’s first-ever third-round appearance at a Major, which has also come after he knocked out home favourite Nick Kyrgios in round one.
In 2024, Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech labelled the court a “nightclub” after enduring taunts during a game.
Court 6 had a Davis Cup atmosphere as Frenchman Arthur Cazaux played Scot Jacob Fearnley[/caption]
Fearnley ended up winning the game in four sets to book his first ever third round spot in a Major[/caption]
