This was published 3 years ago
‘Just embarrassing’: Fans boo TA president after mentions of vaccine, Andrews government
By Rob Sharp
The Australian Open trophy presentation at the men’s final was at times drowned out by constant crowd booing after mentions of the coronavirus vaccine rollout and the Victorian government.
Tennis Australia President Jayne Hrdlicka was forced to pause during her speech when she mentioned the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine, which launched on Sunday.
“It’s been a time of deep loss and extraordinary sacrifice for everyone,” she said.
“With vaccinations on the way, rolling out in many countries around the world, it’s now a time for optimism and hope for the future,” Ms Hrdlicka said before the crowd starting booing.
She continued the presentation, but again was drowned out by the crowd when she thanked the people who made the tournament possible over the past two weeks.
“The top of that list is the Victorian government, without you, we could not have done this,” Ms Hrdlicka said before being met again by constant boos from the local crowd. Others in the audience appeared pleased and cheered and whistled.
“You are a very opinionated group of people,” she said as she completed her presentation.
Earlier, a protester was evicted from the Rod Laver Arena after interrupting play in the second set.
Play resumed after the woman was removed.
The protester appeared to be chanting in support of asylum seekers and refugees.Credit: Eddie Jim
Serbian superstar Novak Djokovic won his ninth Australian Open title and 18th grand slam title after trouncing Russia’s Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-2, 6-2.