The major problem that could be the 'death' of the Australian Open

The Australian Open, renowned for its electric atmosphere and vibrant fans, is facing increased scrutiny over crowd behavior at Melbourne Park in 2025.

Recent incidents of booing, jeering, and disruptive antics have overshadowed moments of brilliant tennis, and the pressure is rapidly mounting on Tennis Australia to take action.

While the passion of the Australian Open crowd has long been a defining feature of the 'Happy Slam,' players and commentators alike are concerned that the tournament’s unique atmosphere is tipping into disrespectful territory.

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The 2025 tournament has already seen several flashpoints involving the crowd. American Danielle Collins was booed and jeered throughout her match with Australian Destanee Aiava, which ended up being a wiry win for the American 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-2. 

Throughout the match, Collins was very much involved with the fans, blowing kisses in jest and even at one point telling a group to 'shut up' after the noise became too much. Despite this, Collins was apparently unfazed following the win.

"I love playing in a crowd that has energy, regardless of what side they’re on," Collins said after her victory, per the Guardian. “It just motivates me even more, so it’s kind of a good thing, especially when I’m not playing that well.”

Even Novak Djokovic, who has labelled the Melbourne as his "second home" was taken aback by the rowdiness of the crowd, especially when it came to Collins' match.

"I heard some comments of people that she (Collins) shouldn't have said that or that," Djokovic said, as reported by Sporting News. "I think she handled it really well. I don't think I would be that polite."

But even the GOAT has copped it – facing jeers throughout his run at this year's Open, and was even booed after he retired injured in his semi-final against Alexander Zverev.

And while top-level stars like Djokovic and Collins can handle this level of pressure, for lower-ranked players or those less experienced with raucous crowds, the hostile environment could be the difference between a win and a loss. 

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But tournament director Craig Tiley doesn't believe the crowd, which is in record numbers this year and is set to surpass the aggregate record of 1.02m set last year, is an issue. He has defended the Open's passionate fans, emphasizing that their energy makes the event special. 

"Really it’s been no different in the number to what it has been in previous years, even with the larger crowd we’ve had come through the gates," Tiley said as reported by the Guardian. "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 bigger crowds have led to long queues at bars, which some have suggested have led to bigger drink orders and intoxication – which both Djokovic and Collins believe to be one of the key elements behind the rowdy Australian crowd.

How likely the organizers are to do anything about that remains to be seen, but taking cues from other major sporting events around the world, there are a few steps the Open could take.

Firstly, they could introduce pre-match announcements to inform fans about the importance of maintaining respect for all players.

While umpires and security staff could certainly be more proactive in managing unruly fans, including ejecting repeat offenders.

And while it's unlikely to be popular with the Aussies, limiting sales or introducing dry zones during night sessions could help reduce disruptive behavior tied to overindulgence.

Ultimately it's a tricky balancing act to maintain the vibrancy of the tournament and the quality of games, but as it stands the Australian Open may not be known as the 'Happy Slam' among players for much longer.

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