‘Visible obscenity’ code violation, raucous fans mar Kyrgios loss
Nick Kyrgios was handed a pair of code violations for “visible obscenity” and ball abuse in the third and fourth sets, respectively, of his five-set loss against Dominic Thiem.
The Australian initially took umbrage to a fan during a change of ends towards the end of the first set but soon cooled off after he took control of the match and established a two-set lead.
Nick Kyrgios gestures during his five-set loss to Dominic Thiem.Credit:AP
He wasn’t as lucky when he belted a ball into the stands after being broken in the fourth set and was penalised with a free point for Thiem.
It was another raucous crowd at John Cain Arena.
If news Victoria would begin a five-day lockdown had any impact on the crowd, it was a positive one.
Locals clearly took their last opportunity to gather in a large crowd for the next five days and ran with it as the arena Kyrgios has made his own over the last few years was at capacity on Friday night.
“The Victorian government has advised that it is safe to attend the match tonight,” a woman announced over the John Cain Arena as the two players completed their warm-up.
“However, you must be home by 11.59pm.”
Jeers followed the second line.
Kyrgios responded by gesturing to the crowd. Pre-game, he shared an Instagram story posted by his brother, Christos.
A cinematic shot of John Cain Arena had been photoshopped. It was Kyrgios Arena instead.
“Again, it was an amazing atmosphere,” Kyrgios said post match.
“Obviously with the announcement today about lockdown, it was like a last hurrah.
“The energy out there was special.”
The stadium was 75 per cent full by midway through the first set.
By then, Kyrgios had already encouraged those in attendance to make it sound like there wasn’t a spare seat in the house.
They were on their feet after he claimed the first set, 6-4.
“Just a reminder you do need to be home by 11.59pm tonight,” another announcer said at the end of the first. More boos followed.
“They’re the rules, ladies and gentlemen,” the announcer said.
As the night wore on, more punters started to shout at inappropriate times either after a fault or during points.
That prompted some to turn on those calling out between first and second serve.
“Aussie spirit, give (Thiem) a fair go,” one man yelled as Kyrgios prepared to serve.
“Quiet now, come on,” yelled another.
Kyrgios and Thiem weren’t the only players forced to deal with vocal crowds.
Dennis Shapovalov yelled “shut up” at a fan during the second set of his straight sets loss to Felix Auger Aliassime on Margaret Court Arena.
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