The American tennis player, Ben Shelton defeated the Australian star, Alexei Popyrin in a thrilling match at the Grand Slam event in Melbourne Park. During the Australian Open match, Shelton had to face a lot of boos and jeers from the Aussie crowd. There were loud cheers for the local favorite while the fans also booed the 20-year-old American in Melbourne. However, despite all those jeers, Shelton put on a remarkable performance against Popyrin.
He further gave a cheeky reply to the Aussie crowd who booed him at the John Cain Arena. The tennis community also took note of the whole incident involving the crowd ‘disrespecting’ the American. A slew of fans further slammed the Aussie crowd on social media for jeering a talented player like Shelton.
Fans criticize the Aussie crowd for booing Ben Shelton during the Australian Open
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The American ATP star put on a masterclass to outclass the Australian player, Alexei Popyrin 6-3, 7-6, 6-4, in front of his home crowd. However, there were jeers for Ben Shelton from the Aussie crowd while they cheered on for the local favorite. Later on, the 20-year-old player gave a cheeky reply to the crowd who booed him during the game.
In his blunt response, Shelton said, “They kinda set the tone when I walked on the court, they booed, first time at a pro match that had happened to me. It was unreal, But I can always respect a whole country getting behind their guy.”
Shelton on the corwd: "They kinda set the tone when I walked on the court, they booed, first time at a pro match that had happened to me. It was unreal, But I can always respect a whole country getting behind their guy." pic.twitter.com/bubeMFe7s4
— Del🇪🇺 mastodon.world/@Stroppa_Del (@Stroppa_Del) January 21, 2023
A section of tennis fans were not happy with the incident involving the spectators in the John Cain Arena. The tennis community further slammed the Aussie fans for booing the American. Notably, one of the fans said, “Booing is vulgar. I’m ashamed of Aussie crowds @AustralianOpen”
Booing is vulgar. I'm ashamed of Aussie crowds @AustralianOpen @AusDreamFilm
— Aurora (@29_Aurora) January 22, 2023
Another fan complained about the crowd and he also said such fans should be thrown out of the stadium.
The fan said, “Anyone in a crowd booing any player at a tennis match should be thrown out IMO”
Anyone in a crowd booing any player at a tennis match should be thrown out IMO
— MAY (@mayk_me89) January 21, 2023
The Serbian tennis legend, Novak Djokovic also faced a lot of jeers and boos from some violent fans during his second-round match against the French tennis player, Enzo Couacaud. However, those were later removed from the stadium by the authorities. Notably, one of the fans pointed to the incident by saying, “Only for Djokovic”
Only for Djokovic
— Manique Amerasinghe Corteling (@Manique8) January 21, 2023
Another fan backed Shelton by saying, “absolutely! hope the Aussies all boo when Demon plays 🪳”
absolutely! hope the Aussies all boo when Demon plays 🪳
— Doris (@Dorli_Wi) January 21, 2023
Others reacted in a similar way,
He has a good spirit. Nice kid.
— Aurélie6280 (@aurelie6280) January 21, 2023
Breath of fresh air.. I like him
— azhen (@simplyzrelds) January 22, 2023
Talked abt this yest. And we already know the answer.
— VamosRafa💞Siempre (@iamladanth) January 21, 2023
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What do you think of the Aussie crowd booing the American tennis player? Let us know in the comments section.
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