'You're just a s*** Andy Murray' - Fans get kicked out of Cameron Norrie match for derisive chants at Australian Open
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Updated 19/01/2023 at 09:04 GMT
Britain's Cameron Norrie coped extremely well with some less-than-pleasant chanting during his second-round match at the Australian Open, while his opponent, Constant Lestienne, lost his cool and took it less easily. Both Norrie and Lestienne were heckled by a small group of raucous fans in the evening match in Melbourne that was affected by long delays due to rain.
Fans chant 'You're just a s*** Andy Murray!' at Norrie during match
There were some unsavoury chants aimed at both Cameron Norrie and his opponent, Constant Lestienne, during their second-round match at the Australian Open on Wednesday evening.
Norrie overcame the challenge of the Frenchman in four sets, 6-3 3-6 7-6(2) 6-3, to reach the third round in challenging conditions out on a gloomy Court 13 with a sparse crowd. Unfortunately for both players, a small group of rowdy fans spoiled the atmosphere somewhat and, due to the small attendance on the outside court, could be heard loud and clear throughout.
The Brit took the first set but allowed his opponent back into the second set before rallying to claim the third and fourth to advance. But Lestienne appeared to be badly affected by the constant chanting from the small minority of spectators and even dumped an angry underarm serve into the net at one point as he struggled to shake off the distractions, which included chants of "Constant's going home!".
Although Norrie did very well to ignore the chants, he did have to sit through a changeover (video above) with the spectators chanting derisively: "You're just a s*** Andy Murray!" at him repeatedly. To his immense credit, he did not react and continued to keep his level high and consistent throughout.
The Brit did have a few sticky moments as he found himself 2-5 and 0-30 down in the third set, but he again rallied to ensure his progression in very testing circumstances.
Remarkably, the match finished at 1:28am local time in Melbourne, which perhaps helps to explain, although not excuse, how well-hydrated the rowdy spectators were.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the noisy group were kicked out of the court before the match had finished after darkness had already descended...
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Watch as rowdy fans get kicked out for chanting at Norrie and Lestienne
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Norrie took the incidents in good humour.
"I could still hear them in the second set," he said with a smile. "But it was a great atmosphere.
"It's great, obviously, on one of the outside courts for them to stay around and support, especially playing so late and cold and everything, so it definitely spurred me on and got me through it, especially in that third set.
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Fans' chanting gets to Lestienne as he tries underarm serve
"Nails conditions," he continued. "Completely different than what I've been playing in the last couple of weeks - freezing, windy, and obviously, it was tough playing him, he barely missed any first serves.
"It was swirling and he was one of the toughest guys out there to play today in those conditions, but I found a way in the end. For 90% of that I was not there mentally so it was nice to pull it back."
The 11th seed will next take on Jiri Lehecka in the third round as he seeks to improve on his previous best finish at Melbourne Park with one further victory, having reached the semi-finals of Wimbledon last summer.
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