[imagesource: Eurosport / Discovery]
Playing against, and defeating, the hometown hero tends to make you a little unpopular with the crowd.
Second seed and tournament favourite Daniil Medvedev learnt that the hard way after his second round win over Ozzie Nick Kyrgios, but he didn’t do himself any favours with his comments after the match.
The crowd at the Rod Laver Arena was treated to an entertaining contest but their behaviour irked both players.
At one stage, Kyrgios was heard shouting “Can you please stop screaming out while I’m f…… serving?” during the first set.
Post-match he did say the thought “the atmosphere was awesome” and added, “that’s what sport is”.
Medvedev’s on-court interview after the win quickly devolved into a very cringeworthy spectacle, reports Stuff:
Asked how he managed to keep his emotions in check, the Russian said: “That is the only choice when you get booed between first and second serve. You have to stay calm and win the match.”
It prompted booing from the stands, ensuring Medvedev couldn’t hear Courier’s next question.
This is not a great look for anybody involved:
Daniil Medvedev vs. the crowd, a spicy match up. pic.twitter.com/O94VjB7e1V
— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) January 20, 2022
The interview did actually end with some applause from the crowd but that mutual respect was short-lived:
“Show some respect.”
Daniil Medvedev was NOT happy with the crowd behaviour tonight and he let them know in the on-court interview!
#AusOpen – Live on Channel 9 and 9Now pic.twitter.com/5UKAFOuV9v— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) January 20, 2022
Once off the court, in an interview with Eurosport, the Russian called some of the fans “low IQ”:
Daniil Medvedev, the Australian Open favorite with Djokovic deported, has also now inherited the role of tournament villain.
The world #2 slammed some jeering fans after today’s match: “Those who are doing it probably have a low IQ.” pic.twitter.com/KRq12sUpEP
— The Recount (@therecount) January 20, 2022
Rest assured the crowd will be rooting for his third round opponent, Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp, when they meet tomorrow.
[source:stuff]
