The Australian Open, one of the most anticipated and prestigious tennis tournaments in the world, has introduced a unique addition to its venue that is dividing opinion among players. A two-story courtside bar has been set up overlooking Court 6, providing fans with a shady spot to enjoy a cool drink while watching the matches. While it has become a popular attraction for spectators, some players are not too thrilled about the distractions it brings.
Stefanos Tsitsipas, the 2023 Australian Open runner-up, expressed his discontent after losing in the first round of doubles with his brother. He mentioned feeling the movement and action from the bar in the background and admitted that he is not a fan of the concept. His brother, Petros Tsitsipas, echoed the sentiment, feeling that the bar's proximity to the court made it too accessible for the public and created unnecessary noise that affected his concentration.
Despite their concerns, the Tsitsipas brothers did not attribute their loss to the presence of the bar. They understand that performing well at a Grand Slam tournament requires focus and determination, regardless of the external factors.
The new addition to the Australian Open venue has attracted a significant number of spectators, with almost 90,000 attendees on Day 1 and over 80,000 on Day 2. In response to the increased attendance, organizers have made efforts to provide more shade and relaxation areas for the fans. While some players like Gael Monfils seemed unfazed by the music and activity coming from the bar, others, like the Tsitsipas brothers, found it disruptive.
The bar's unorthodox location also caught the attention of young qualifier Alina Korneeva, who celebrated her first match win at a major tournament on Day 1. She admitted that the noise was initially overwhelming but appreciated the energy and enthusiasm of the Australian fans. For her, the bar's presence added a unique element to her experience.
For spectators like James Hulls and Assiya Halid, who live in Melbourne, the bar provided a great atmosphere to start their day at the Australian Open. They were excited about the new addition and were looking forward to exploring the amenities it offered. Visitors from New York, Marnie Perez Ochoa, and Steph Chung also liked the concept and believed it had the potential to become a popular spot for fans despite the partial view of the court.
While the bar undoubtedly adds an energetic ambiance to the Australian Open, not everyone shares the same sentiments. Stefanos Tsitsipas, in particular, prefers silence during play, emphasizing the need for complete concentration when a tiny yellow ball is flying around the court. He mentioned that one of his favorite tournaments is Wimbledon, where silence reigns, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the game.
As the Australian Open continues, players and fans will have to acclimate to this new feature. The divided opinions on its impact suggest that it might be a topic of discussion in the tennis world for some time to come. Only time will tell if the courtside bar becomes a beloved aspect of the tournament or if adjustments will be made to cater to the preferences of the players.
