Craig Tiley dismissed claims that the number of thrown out spectators increased this year as the Australian Open tournament stated that there will “always be one or two” people that behave inappropriately.
If you have been following this year’s Australian Open, you probably saw what happened in some of Novak Djokovic and Danielle Collins’ matches.
When complaining about the rowdy crowd, both stars suggested that the alcohol consumption may have played a role in some of the spectators crossing the line.
And that led to claims that the Australian Open crowd took a turn for the worse this year.
However, Tiley denied it by saying that the number of ejected fans is “no different to previous years” before highlighting: “You’re always going to have one or two. We’ve made it very clear anyone that comes onto the site that is going to be disruptive to the enjoyment of the people around them are not going to be welcome.”
Tiley: The Australian crowd is one of the most educated
For years, the Happy Slam has boasted a stunning attendance and last year they set a new attendance record when 1,020,763 spectators visited last year’s tournament edition.
This year, the tournament’s attendance numbers are again sky high and they appear to be on course to set a new record.
“The Australian crowd, I believe they’re amongst the most educated in the world, and the ones that have the most fun at matches, and we’ve certainly seen that,” the Australian Open boss said.
“There are always going to be moments [of rowdy behavior], but the energy that it brings to the players, the event is remarkable, so for that we appreciate it.”
After exiting the Australian Open, Collins said that “maybe some feelings got hurt” but underlined that as long as nobody got physically harmed, it was probably all good.
Tennis World USA