Novak Djokovic fan removed from 2022 Australian Open after a fight ensues over ‘anti-mask’ remark
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Crowd fights at the 2022 Australian Open
In a shocking turn of events at the 2022 Australian Open, a fan was ejected from the Rod Laver Arena during the all-German clash between Alexander Zverev and Daniel Altmaier in their round 1 clash. The venue and time slot was originally reserved for the Novak Djokovic and Miomir Kecmanovic clash but given Djokovic’s deportation, Zverev’s clash was scheduled there.
As per reports, the ejected person had refused to mask up and led out some ‘anti-mask’ remarks which were not met well with the other spectators in the arena and a fight began where punches were thrown and led to the eventual removal of the person by the security personnels.
While the complete reason for the fight remains unknown, the fight began after the person screamed ‘masks don’t work’ and was replied with ‘get him out of here’ and ‘no mask, no play’ remarks from other spectators.
“2022 Australian Open has lost its value”: Serbian fans in the Arena
Many dejected fans gave their opinions when interviewed by reporters of Yahoo Sports Australia over the Novak Djokovic situation after the player was deported and not allowed to participate much to the disappointment of the local Serbians who wanted to see the 20-time Grand Slam champion back in action.
“A hundred per cent, the Australian Open has lost its value. Whoever wins it now, doesn’t really count. Because Djokovic is the number one,” said Alek Drakoo, a member of the local Serbian community who was planning to watch Novak play at the Arena.
“We all wanted to see Djokovic play. He’s the world No 1, he’s played here many years. He’s won it a few times, lost it a few times. He’s a good player, he brings fans, brings income for the Australian Open and I think it was a silly decision for them to leave him out,” said a Serbian teenager Jovan Milenkovic.
“I think it kind of dragged on a little bit too long. But it’s great that we can kind of put that behind us. You know I [wish] the best for Djokovic, he’s a great tennis player. I wanted to see him play but. So be it,” said Chris Shannon, another fan interviewed at the Arena.
“The guy has been humiliated, bullied, they tried to turn everyone against him. But I respect him for standing his ground, standing for what he believes in and he is mentally strong so he will get through it,” said Drakoo who carried a Serbian flag in support of Djokovic on the day.
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Sarthak Shitole
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