Fan behaviour at the Australian Open this year continues to turn heads with an epic quarter-final match between Matteo Berrettini and Gael Monfils on Tuesday night interrupted at the worst possible time.
After Berrettini took the first two sets, Monfils fought back in brilliant fashion to force the match to five sets.
As the game reached an exciting crescendo, it was the Italian who wrestled control of the final set with Monfils' serve broken twice.
But as Berrettini looked to clinch the decisive set, play was stopped for over a minute as security were forced to deal with a group of rowdy fans.
The game's chair umpire had clearly run out of patience with the group, saying: "If you don’t want to watch, please leave."
Despite the untimely interruption, Berrettini would hold his nerve to win the final set 6-2 and seal his historic progress to the semi-finals.
Bravo, Matteo 👏🇮🇹
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 25, 2022
Berrettini becomes the first Italian man in singles history to reach the final four at the Australian Open#AusOpen • #AO2022• #AOTennis pic.twitter.com/nMOeZg4zGt
The Italian would once again be forced to stop during his post-match interview as the crowd made themselves heard with Berrettini taking a parting shot at the fans unable to restrain themselves.
"It’s full of people. Some of them are not really tennis fans I think. It is what it is. You can’t control everybody," Berrettini said.
"To be respectful is something you have to do anyway. It’s fine, I win. I’m happy."
Earlier on Tuesday, Australian doubles duo Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis used the crowd to their advantage as they progressed to the semi-finals.
While some felt fan behaviour crossed a line during the fiery encounter, Kokkinakis is hoping the crowd continues to fuel them on as they close in on some unlikely silverware.
"It wouldn't be a doubles match with us if there wasn't any controversy, everyone seems to have a problem," he said.
"Keep rustling some feathers guys. I don't mind it if I'm honest."