Fans at the Australian Open were criticized on Sunday after they seemed to boo about the mention of a coronavirus vaccine launch during the final presentation of the men’s trophy.
The boos came after Tennis Australia President Jayne Hrdlicka commented during the presentation how the vaccine’s global efforts were a sign of optimism after a “profound loss and extraordinary sacrifice for all”.
“With vaccines underway, being launched in many countries around the world, now is a time for optimism and hope for the future,” she continued, before the crowd at Rod Laver Arena started booing.
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Additional boos rang out after Hrdlicka thanked the Victoria government, which last week ordered residents to have a five-day sudden confinement amid fears of an outbreak, according to reports. Hrdlicka ended up interrupting his speech and said to the crowd, “when you are done”.
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack on Monday called the crowd’s behavior “disgusting”
“I don’t like boos at any event, and certainly at any sporting event,” he told reporters, according to the BBC. “This vaccine is going to bring our country back to some kind of pre-Covid normality.”
Others turned to social media to speak out against the crowd’s behavior.
“That was a really uncomfortable speech. A lot of boos at the mention of coronavirus vaccinations being launched. Bonkers,” wrote MetroUK tennis journalist George Bellshaw.
“In fact, I can’t believe what I just witnessed. The final Australian Open crowd booed the Covid vaccine. #AusOpen“replied sports journalist James Gray.
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“The crowd was shameful … the worst I have ever seen. Screaming during the rallies, booing twice during the trophy ceremony. Even Medvedev had to tell them to shut up at one point,” wrote another user.
Novak Djokovic, from Serbia, left, holds the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup while chatting with Russian runner-up Daniil Medvedev after winning the men’s singles final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, February 21, 2021. (AP Photo / Andy Brownbill)
The boos came after Novak Djokovic defeated Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 to win his ninth Australian Open championship and 18th Grand Slam title on Sunday. Medvedev with fourth place in the ranking was trying to win his first Grand Slam title.
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Meanwhile, Australia began the first phase of its vaccine program on Monday, the broadcaster said. Crowds of anti-vaccination protesters marched in Australian cities on Saturday to protest its deployment.