Australian Open final’s ‘bizarre’ pre-match entertainment

Tennis fans were left bemused when they were treated to a musical theatre performance ahead of the Australian Open men’s final.

There’s a time and place for musical theatre — and sadly, this wasn’t it.

Ahead of the Australian Open men’s singles final between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev, Melbourne’s spectators were treated to a performance of “Welcome to the Rock” from the Australian cast of Come From Away.

The popular Broadway musical tells the true story of 38 planes unexpectedly landing in a small Canadian town following the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001.

The show opens in Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre on Wednesday.

Although the cast’s harmonies were undeniably on point, tennis fans were not impressed with the pre-match entertainment.

LIVE BLOG: Australian Open men’s final

“They say no man's an island, but an island makes a man!”

The cast of Tony Award winning musical @ComeFromAwayAU perform ‘Welcome to the Rock’ ahead of tonight’s #AusOpen men’s final. pic.twitter.com/fx1Yxa2lSe

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 21, 2021

A theatre show before the big game. So Melbourne. So bizarre. #AusOpen

— Anthony Clark (@AnthonyClarkAU) February 21, 2021

You're under arrest for Cringy Prematch Entertainment. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/FO5RPxMlSH

— Sportsbet.com.au (@sportsbetcomau) February 21, 2021

This pre game show makes we wish meatloaf was performing. How embarrassing I hope the world isn’t watching this #AusOpen

— dan the dirty pie (@TheDak04) February 21, 2021

However, not everyone was disappointed with the performance. Radio presenter Lexis Bill tweeted: “That was a nice pregame performance from the cast of @ComeFromAwayAU. Didn’t see that coming. Loved it.”

Meanwhile, singer-songwriter Gordi was panned for making an awkward blunder during the Australian national anthem.

Ahead of Saturday evening’s women’s final between Naomi Osaka and Jennifer Brady, spectators were treated to a rendition of Helen Reddy’s iconic song I Am Woman.

Chenile Chandler, a proud Wurundjeri woman, sang part of the tune in Wurundjeri, which went down a treat.