Australian Open hecklers should be "thrown out" after shouts in Djokovic final

29 January 2023 , 12:00

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Novak Djokovic was heckled by fans during his clash with Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Australian Open final (Image: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Former British No. 1 Tim Henman called on Australian Open officials to "throw out" unruly spectators after some fans were heard shouting during the men's singles final between Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Umpire Louise Azemar Engzell was forced to repeatedly ask the crowd to be quiet during the match, but Henman believes any noisy spectators should have been kicked out of the Rod Laver Arena.

After a fan was heard continuing to chant during a rally between Djokovic and Tsitsipas, the umpire reminded the crowd: "Ladies and gentleman, please once again I know it's very exciting, but please be quiet during the rally, thank you."

However, Henman called for stronger action to be taken, saying: "The request has been made by the umpire but I think they've got to go further, if people are repeatedly calling out trying to distract the players they've got to be thrown out."

And after another fan could be heard shouting while Djokovic was preparing to serve, the umpire issued another reminder. "It's very disturbing for both players so please be quiet, thank you," she warned.

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At which point fellow commentator Chris Bradnam echoed Henman's thoughts, stating: "It's fallen on deaf ears too much in this tournament." It comes after Djokovic was angered by spectators heckling him during his straight sets win over Andrey Rublev in the quarter-finals.

Umpire Louise Azemar Engzell was forced to repeatedly ask the crowd to be quiet (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

With Djokovic set to serve, a fan could be hear shouting "send him home Rublev", prompting a furious reaction from the Serbian. "Why don't you shut up?" he replied.

"Every single point, every single point." Djokovic then turned his attention to umpire James Keothavong, adding: "You're not reacting."

Djokovic also had issues with fans heckling him during his fourth-round game against Alex de Minaur, while a group of unruly supporters dressed as 'Where's Wally' were removed from his second-round match against Enzo Couacaud.

The Serb wasn't phased, however, as he beat Tsitsipas in straight sets to secure his 10th Australian Open title, and his 22nd Grand Slam singles title - equalling Rafael Nadal.

Matthew Cooper