'Got to be thrown out!' - Fan disrupts Australian Open final between Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas

Updated 29/01/2023 at 13:17 GMT

Noisy fans have been something of a feature at the 2023 Australian Open - both positively and negatively - and the men's final on Sunday was not without its boisterous spectators either, as Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas both had to contend with some off-putting noises just before, and even during points. There was one interruption in particular that led the umpire to act.

Watch as noisy fan shouts out during key point in final between Djokovic and Tsitsipas

A noisy fan created an unwelcome disruption at a key moment during the Australian Open final between Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas at Melbourne Park on Sunday.

Djokovic, who is targeting a record-extending 10th crown at the tournament, won a crucial point to lead 5-4 in the second set tie-break as Tsitsipas went long with a forehand in front of a raucous crowd on Rod Laver Arena. But the point was blemished by a very loud spectator who made sure they were heard during the point itself.

Both Djokovic and Tsitsipas received a huge amount of support from their large fan bases both inside and outside of the stadium, but there were also some disruptive hecklers that each had to contend with at various key moments.

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On this occasion, the third seed from Greece was left to lose the point with loud chanting heard from the stands through the point that irked many, coming as it did at such a vital moment in the tie-break.

The umpire, Louise Engzell, issued a stern warning after the disruptive moment: "It is very disturbing for both players, so please be quiet."

Tim Henman, on commentary for Eurosport at the time, was very clear about what he felt should have happened as Engzell made the request for the fan to be much quieter.

"The request has been made by the umpire, but they have got to go further," Henman said on Eurosport's coverage of the Australian Open final.

"People are repeatedly calling out, trying to distract the players. They’ve got to be thrown out!”

Fellow former pro Chris Bradnam added: "Talking of 'out', that gentleman should be on borrowed time. It has fallen on deaf ears too much this tournament."

Noisy fans - both distracting and supportive - have been a feature of the tournament with players such as Cameron Norrie, Denis Shapovalov and even Daniil Medvedev having to deal with heckling. As highlighted by Eurosport's John McEnroe (in the video below), though, given the pandemic and the return of fans to Grand Slams, "people are just so happy to be a part of the scene again", leading to a vocal presence.

'People are just so happy to be a part of scene again' - McEnroe on noisy fans at Australian Open

The 35-year-old Djokovic later went on to complete a stunning victory with a dominant display as he came through, 6-3 7-6(4) 7-6(5), to seal a men's record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam singles title and draw level with his great rival, Rafael Nadal.

For Tsitsipas, it was another crushing disappointment at the business end of a Grand Slam as he still seeks his maiden triumph at a major, but he was still able to reflect on a positive fortnight with yet more career progress.