The pledge by Australian Open director Craig Tiley to firmly deal with anybody who heckles Novak Djokovic during the tournament is something that has raised the alarm bells for Stan Wawrinka.
Earlier this week, the tennis official said that those who try to target Djokovic at the Grand Slam would be kicked out of the tournament and face a possible ban. In recent weeks there have been concerns over how the nine-time champion would be received by the public following his deportation from Australia 12 months ago after a high-profile legal fight concerning his visa. Djokovic, who is unvaccinated against COVID-19, says he was told he could enter the country with the use of a medical exemption which border officials deemed not to be a valid reason.
The world No.5 proved to be a hit at the Adelaide International last week where he won his 92nd Tour title which places him joint-third on the all-time list for most ATP trophies won. Djokovic’s presence triggered a massive attendance and there were plenty of cheers. Nevertheless, the Australian Open is not taking any chances.
“If they disrupt the enjoyment of anyone else – boom, they are out,” said Tiley.
“We don’t want them on site.”
“They can stay away or we will kick them out.”
Responding to those comments, 2014 champion Wawrinka argues that fans must still be given the freedom to express themselves during matches within reason. The Swiss will be making his 17th main draw appearance at Melbourne Park this year and his 65th in a Grand Slam.
“That’s tennis,’ The Gold Coast Bulleting quotes Wawrinka as saying.
“If they (the fans) go over the limit (then yes), but I think they should be allowed to do whatever they want. They do it every year. That’s tennis. That’s sport. That’s what you want.”
The 37-year-old believes ‘many mistakes’ were made relating to Djokovic’s departure from Australia last year. The tennis star was originally banned from re-entering for three years until November when the government decided to remove that penalty.
“Things happened with Novak last year and I think there were many mistakes,” he said.
“I do believe they (the crowd) will not boo him. They will be happy to see him and it’s going to be a great tournament.”
The Australian Open will get underway on Monday.
