Australian Open match suspended after rowdy fans force players to abandon court
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A match at the Australian Open was forced to relocate on Wednesday after rowdy fans at a neighbouring court caused chaos.
Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina had to abandon their first-round clash on Court 8 due to disruptions from the adjacent Court 6.
The disturbance came from what has become known as the tournament's 'party court', which sits next to one of the venue's bars.
The players were just seven games into their match when play was suspended, with Davidovich Fokina leading 4-3.
Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina had to abandon their Australian Open match because of rowdy fans
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The decision to move came after both players agreed they could not continue due to the deafening noise from Court 6.
Officials relocated the match to Court 7, further away from the disruptive French fans who were watching a match between Cazaux and Fearnley.
The controversy stems from a two-storey courtside bar that was built overlooking Court 6 ahead of the 2024 Australian Open.
The venue addition sparked debate among players during last year's tournament.
French player Arthur Rinderknech was particularly critical, dubbing Court 6 a "nightclub" after losing a five-hour match there.
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Tournament director Craig Tiley defended the addition, insisting the courtside bar was "very popular" and enhanced entertainment value.
"Some stupid - I won't even say the country - guys that were drunk were shouting at me every time I was missing my first serve, and I don't think that's really correct," Rinderknech told Fox Sports about his experience on Court 6.
The criticism was dismissed by tournament director Tiley, who maintained that the bar area provided entertainment value.
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Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina had to stop playing halfway through
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The venue has proven particularly problematic when French supporters gather to watch their compatriots compete.
Despite the disruption caused to today's match and previous controversies, the Australian Open has maintained the party court setup for 2025.
The tournament's commitment to the two-storey bar arrangement suggests organisers are prioritising the entertainment aspect, even as it impacts neighbouring courts.
The incident involving Auger-Aliassime and Davidovich Fokina marks the latest chapter in the ongoing debate about Court 6's dual role as both a match venue and entertainment space.
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