Tuesday night's match between Australian enigma Nick Kyrgios and British journeyman Liam Broady had a magnificent atmosphere at John Cain Arena.
Melbourne Park's third biggest court was a full house for the spectacle (up to the 50 per cent allowed per COVID-19 regulations) as Kyrgios won in straight sets 6-4 6-3 6-3.
Fans were screaming, chanting, clapping and getting to their feet while Kyrgios put on a show, including tweeners and blistering winners.
There were even supporters doing the Cristiano Ronaldo 'siiiiiuuuuu' chant, possibly repetitively, in another addition to helping generate noise and colour.
However, criticism came for Kyrgios and some of the fans at John Cain Arena for the boisterous atmosphere created on the night.
Why?
Did Kyrgios do anything offensive during the match? No.
Did the supporters do anything offensive during the match? No.
Broady said after the match his experience playing Kyrgios in front of a parochial Australian crowd at John Cain Arena was 'awful', also adding that it 'wasn't enjoyable' because he lost.
But the British player's words were taken out of context by snowflakes and the media looking for a negative Kyrgios yarn.
In the same quotes, Broady said the atmosphere was 'incredible' and the experience would hold him in good stead for the rest of the year.
On the same night at Rod Laver Arena, Australian wildcard Storm Sanders was a set and a break up against world no.2 Aryna Sabalenka.
Despite the Aussie battler being on the brink of one the biggest upsets in Australian Open history, there was no vibe or atmosphere at the court and it was a disappointing experience for those there. Particularly as Sabalenka rallied from that point onwards to win the match.
Atmosphere at tennis and sport in general is a wonderful feeling and vibe that makes the sporting experience more enjoyable.
And it's a standard experience at Kyrgios matches, particularly at his preferred John Cain Arena.
If the noise and colour being generated is not racist, sexist or offensive in any way, then play on is the call.
Sorry critics, but the fishing for outrage is laughable in this example.
Let's hope for another belter of an atmosphere and match when Kyrgios takes on world no.2 Daniil Medvedev in the second round on Thursday.
