Another tennis star has taken aim at Australian Open fans for failing to “show respect” to rival players in Melbourne.
World No.1 doubles player Mate Pavic joined Daniil Medvedev in blasting rowdy Aussie supporters after he and Nikola Mektic were stunned 7-6, 6-3 by Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis in their second round match at a heaving Kia Arena.
The Aussies, who are childhood friends, played some sublime tennis as they hyped up the crowd, with some fans chugging shoeys and Kyrgios asking one spectator for their beer.
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“There’s a bit of a rock and roll feeling to Kia Arena,” commentator David Basheer said on Nine and Stan Sport.
Croatia’s Pavic was asked what it was like playing in front of a rowdy crowd, who he said lacked some respect.
“Yeah, it’s loud. They are pretty loud. Obviously they cheer for Aussies,” Pavic said.
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“It wouldn’t hurt them to show some respect to all opponents, to other players.
“We saw yesterday also with Medvedev how it was.
“So, yeah, I mean, that’s how they are here. We’re used to that. But like I said, yeah, it wouldn’t hurt them to show some respect.”
Mektic struggled to comprehend the shock defeat for the outstanding duo who won Wimbledon and Olympic gold last year.
“It all went very fast, very loud,” Mektic said.
“We barely survived yesterday just to fight another day. It looks like, just the guys played really well. They’re a nasty team to beat here and that’s it. We just fell short.”
Medvedev ignited the crowd debate on Wednesday night in his post-match interview after downing Kyrgios in four sets.
The world No.2 stayed ice cool during the match as the crowd roared for the Aussie but let rip afterwards.
“It’s disappointing… it’s not everybody who is doing it, but those who are doing it probably have a low IQ,” Medvedev said, while also pleading with the crowd to show interviewer Jim Courier some respect.
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