Australian Open 2026: Alejandro Davidovich Fokina criticises ‘ignorant drunks’ in crowd

Davidovich Fokina has not been the only player to criticise the crowd at this year’s tournament.

During her victory over Britain’s Emma Raducanu, Anastasia Potapova angrily shouted “come on” in the direction of a spectator after they called out in the middle of a point, with the umpire reminding them to be quiet while play is ongoing.

Spain’s Jaume Munar also yelled in frustration when a fan started chanting right before he served against Dalibor Svrcina, who he beat in five sets in the first round.

There were issues between players and spectators last year in Melbourne, with Britain’s Harriet Dart saying her second-round defeat was “like a football match” as she called for greater “respect” from fans.

American Danielle Collins, meanwhile, was heckled by a hostile crowd during her win over Australian Destanee Aiava, although she said she “loved” the atmosphere and blew kisses as she was being booed.

When Davidovich Fokina faced Felix Auger-Aliassime last year, their match was moved from court eight after the players complained about the noise coming from neighbouring courts.