Jordan Thompson Expresses Frustration Over Fan Rule Change at Australian Open

Australian tennis player, Jordan Thompson, voiced his displeasure during his first-round match at the Australian Open, expressing frustration over a rule change that allows fans to move seats in between games. The policy, implemented this year, deviates from traditional tennis norms, where spectators had to wait outside the stadium doors until a change of ends before relocating.

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The tension arose during Thompson’s all-Australian clash with Aleksandar Vukic on Court 3. An extended rally in the previous game had led some spectators to leave, causing disruption when they returned to their seats. Thompson attempted to serve but was interrupted by Vukic, who gestured towards the crowd. Seeking resolution, Thompson asked the umpire to instruct fans to take their seats.

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Unaware of the rule change, Thompson expressed his dismay, exclaiming, ‘You’re kidding me. Really? Oh my god, this is the “wokest” tournament ever.’

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The incident caught commentators by surprise, as Thompson’s lack of knowledge about the relaxed rule was evident. He made derogatory remarks about his national championship, revealing his disagreement with the change. John Alexander, a former Liberal MP and Australian doubles great, speculated on the meaning of Thompson’s comment but could only infer its negative connotation.

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Mulling over the delay caused by fans returning to their seats, Thompson criticized the new policy, stating, ‘It’s not smart.’

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During the discussion, Basheer and Fitzgerald, the commentators, compared the Australian Open crowd behavior favorably to the noise at the US Open in New York. They remarked that the noise levels in the US Open would put the Australian Open to shame, emphasizing the different fan culture between the two tournaments.

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Thompson went on to win the second set after a grueling 74 minutes and took a commanding lead of 6-2 in the third set against Vukic.