Australian Open from boisterous and often intoxicated crowds in a sport known for its civility.
The treatment appeared to affect the American, who shouted “shut up” to one fan during her tense 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-2 victory, even blowing kisses to the stands and turning and slapping her bottom in post-match victory taunts.
Afterwards she was one of a chorus of players who called for the volume to be turned not down but up. The endorsement comes as officials at the Australian Open try to attract non-traditional audiences to the sport, and players such as the “Special Ks” doubles pairing of Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis encourage engagement from a new generation of tennis fans.
“I love playing in a crowd that has energy, regardless of what side they’re on,” Collins said after her victory. “It just motivates me even more, so it’s kind of a good thing, especially when I’m not playing that well.”
Sessions Draper… sound?
Not to mention Lynch, Howcroft and Harris on the livebloggin’ tools. Ambassador, we are spoiling you.
Before we get to today’s proceedings, a word on the late-night-five-set-ding-dong between American teenager Learner Tien and three time Aussie open finalist and US open champion Daniil Medvedev. Namely: WOW. What a match that was. The tournament needed a shot in the arm and holy moly it got one.
“I was definitely hoping it wouldn’t go to a fifth-set breaker … It was definitely harder than maybe it could have been, but, whatever,” the teenage Tien said in the moments after toppling Medvedev – the gnarled old gunslinger – 6-3, 7-6, 6-7, 1-6, 7-6 in the small matter of 4 hours 49 minutes.
Tien then charmed the crowd even further : “I really appreciate all you guys staying out here. I know it’s late. I have no idea what time it is.” It was actually the wee small hours of Friday morning and definitely past Tien’s bedtime. Not that he would have been able to sleep after playing the match of his short career so far.
Let’s hope for more thrills, spills and belly earaches (Here’s looking at you Danielle Collins) as the tournament approaches the end of its first week.
I’ll post the schedule/order of play in a moment, the first balls will be tossed on the Rod Laver and Margaret Court Arena’s at 11.30 AEDT – about 40 minutes from now. Do get in touch if you are following along, weirdest and wackiest blog following location gets a special/undisclosed/as yet undecided prize. Maybe. *Please do check the small print.
*There will be no physical prizes. A mention on this blog should be enough, no? Greedyguts.
