2022 Australian Open Thread

[GVGjr]

Re: 2022 Australian Open Thread

What has happened to the fans attending tennis matches? Over the last couple of years the behaviour of many has been very poor.
Is tennis attracting a different level of fans now?

[jeemak]

Re: 2022 Australian Open Thread

What has happened to the fans attending tennis matches? Over the last couple of years the behaviour of many has been very poor.
Is tennis attracting a different level of fans now?

The tennis in Australia has always attracted boorish twats. It's always been noticeable, it's just that it's even more noticeable now as there's now more of them concentrated in one spot watching Nick Kyrgios.

[Daughter of the West]

Re: 2022 Australian Open Thread

The tennis in Australia has always attracted boorish twats. It's always been noticeable, it's just that it's even more noticeable now as there's now more of them concentrated in one spot watching Nick Kyrgios.

I wonder if it's also all the other sideshow stuff that has been added over the years. Concerts and bars and palava for the average punter, not just the corporates. In my memory when I went as a kid, you went to sit and watch tennis and there were no other side "activities".

[Bornadog]

Re: 2022 Australian Open Thread

I wonder if it's also all the other sideshow stuff that has been added over the years. Concerts and bars and palava for the average punter, not just the corporates. In my memory when I went as a kid, you went to sit and watch tennis and there were no other side "activities".

I think this is a very good break down of what has happened.

Some friends have been to the French Open and there is virtually nothing happening around the courts, so everyone goes there for the tennis and nothing else. I agree with GVGjr, that this year in particular, the bogans have really come out and are getting worse and worse.

I blame it on Covid - every one has gone crazy

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Re: 2022 Australian Open Thread

Tennis is very unique amongst the major sports in making the arena quiet for the players as they're about to commence each play.
On the one hand, the rules or at least the evolved etiquette is clear; silence whilst a player is about to serve. On the other hand... why is this the case?? Free Throw shooters in basketball get heckled and put off by the crowd. Crowds go nuts in the NFL to disrupt opposition teams from hearing their play calling. PLayers lining up for a shot on goal in AFL get heckled.
Why should tennis be any different?

A few former tennis players over the years have suggested there should be no restrictions on crowd noise during the game.

Having said that, the current expected norms makes it clear that silence during service is expected. The crowds have been inconsiderate to that, especially when thei eis an Aussie playing, but it is also occurring when the crowd have picked a favourite (eg Monfils over Berrettinni).
It's boorish behaviour and it does seem worse this year for some reason. Not sure the carnival atmosphere is on its own to blame, as it's been like that for many years.
Maybe it's an output from the impact of long term COVID restrictions and lockdowns?

[jeemak]

Re: 2022 Australian Open Thread

I'm a bit surprised this is remotely considered a 2022 issue. I do agree it's worse, but going right back to the Edberg days there's always been dickheads that want to be the last to get that one cheer or jeer in on a player's serve.

The sport attracts twerps/ spoiled wankers on and off the court, it's what keeps my interest passing.

[Bornadog]

Re: 2022 Australian Open Thread

I'm a bit surprised this is remotely considered a 2022 issue. I do agree it's worse, but going right back to the Edberg days there's always been dickheads that want to be the last to get that one cheer or jeer in on a player's serve.

The sport attracts twerps/ spoiled wankers on and off the court, it's what keeps my interest passing.

I just enjoy the tennis.

Barty - Come On!!!

[jeemak]

Re: 2022 Australian Open Thread

I just enjoy the tennis.

Barty - Come On!!!

I was careful not to say that it solely attracts twerps/ spoiled wankers on and off the court!

[Daughter of the West]

Re: 2022 Australian Open Thread

The sport attracts twerps/ spoiled wankers on and off the court, it's what keeps my interest passing.

*slinks out quietly after playing tennis for more than twenty years from primary school age...*



I do tend to agree though, my kids aren't allowed to play tennis. I've often wondered how much of it is to do with the fact it is essentially an individual pursuit. Focusing on nothing but yourself ALL OF THE TIME from a really young age can't be great for you.

[Grantysghost]

Re: 2022 Australian Open Thread

I'm a bit surprised this is remotely considered a 2022 issue. I do agree it's worse, but going right back to the Edberg days there's always been dickheads that want to be the last to get that one cheer or jeer in on a player's serve.

The sport attracts twerps/ spoiled wankers on and off the court, it's what keeps my interest passing.

Edberg bah what a twat!

I went to the Lendl Edberg final in 1990 when he retired hurt!
Ripped off xD

Becker was the best back then. The tennis nowadays I can't get in to.
Loved the serve volley players.

Edit : Speaking of crowds, remember the whistling that used to happen with the early hawkeye system? It used to beep which for some reason encouraged a section of the crowd to break out into a choreographed cacophony of off key whistling.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Re: 2022 Australian Open Thread

There's a few morons that attend anything in life - sport included.

I think some of the players and some of the commentary around 'crowd behaviour' is a little precious. I'm a big fan of the AO, I've worked it before in accreditation and attended many times - there's a reason AO is known as the most fun of the Grand Slams and it's because it is more vibrant than any other tennis tournament.

The whole "it's a gentleman's game" philosophy is dated.

Does Medvedev want the fans to cheer equally for every player, every match? Be silent and only clap their hands in-between points like puppets? Please.

Deal with some of the disrespect (which happens at every sporting venue) but I'm not prescribing to shaming fans who show some passion.

[jeemak]

Re: 2022 Australian Open Thread

*slinks out quietly after playing tennis for more than twenty years from primary school age...*



I do tend to agree though, my kids aren't allowed to play tennis. I've often wondered how much of it is to do with the fact it is essentially an individual pursuit. Focusing on nothing but yourself ALL OF THE TIME from a really young age can't be great for you.

I'm not knocking grassroots sport, when I was a kid tennis seemed fine but I was more attracted to team sports.

I think at the elite level you're probably right. It's a sport that requires a lot of self-focus.

[Bornadog]

Re: 2022 Australian Open Thread

All Australian Men's double final coming up on Saturday.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Re: 2022 Australian Open Thread

Great result BAD!

[Bornadog]

Re: 2022 Australian Open Thread

Great result BAD!

Now for Barty