Aussie tennis fans are copping it from the rest of the world after ’embarrassing’ and ‘disrespectful’ scenes during Nick Kyrgios’ loss at the Australian Open on Monday night. Playing at the Australian Open for the first time in three years, Kyrgios went down in straight sets to Jacob Fearnley of Scotland and admitted he can’t see himself ever playing singles at the grand slam again.

The 29-year-old has endured a wretched run of injuries and was hampered by an abdominal issue on Monday night. Fans packed John Cain Arena to get a glimpse of Kyrgios playing his first grand slam since the US Open in 2022, and the Aussie had plenty of home support.

But many felt the parochial crowd crossed the line with some of their actions towards Fearnley. The situation turned ugly in the third set when Kyrgios mounted a comeback and looked like he might send the match to a fourth.

Fans were riding every point and getting right behind Kyrgios, but they started cheering Fearnley’s faults and unforced errors. Loud cheers rang out whenever the Scot served a fault – even if it was on his first serve.

And fans delighted every time the World No.86 made a mistake. Tennis etiquette dictates that spectators should never cheer a player’s error – even if it means good things for the local favourite.

Tennis fans blast ‘disgraceful’ Australian Open crowd

It’s perfectly normal for fans to get behind the Aussie players at the Australian Open, but many took to social media to describe Monday night’s crowd as ‘rude’ and ‘appalling’. One pundit wrote: “It’s appalling that the crowd in the current game between Fearnley (UK) and Kyrgios (Australia) cheer when Fearnley faults, plays a bad shot or tries to serve. There’s hostile and there’s just downright disrespectful and rude.”

Another commented: “Embarrassed by the crowd in the Kyrgios match and their behaviour. Support Kyrgios all you want but stop cheering first serve faults.” While a third added: “Unbelievably rude crowd at the Fearnley v Kyrgios match. Applauding and cheering double faults and no appreciation during Fearnley’s winner’s interview. Absolute Neanderthals with zero class.”

Nick Kyrgios drops sad announcement after Australian Open loss

Unfortunately it’s not the first time the crowd at the Australian Open has drawn the ire of tennis fans from around the world. Spectators were savaged for booing Tennis Australia chair Jayne Hrdlicka after the final in 2021, while the likes of Daniil Medvedev and Jim Courier have also been on the receiving end of some poor treatment. While fans at the French and US Opens have notoriously been the ones to cop criticism, Australian tennis crowds are starting to get a reputation for bad behaviour as well.

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Speaking after his brutal loss, Kyrgios admitted: “Realistically, I can’t really see myself probably playing singles again here. I, kind of, was taking everything in tonight … I didn’t want to just throw in the towel and walk off or retire.”

Kyrgios said he still plans to play doubles with Thanasi Kokkinakis at Melbourne Park. He also wants to play all four grand slams and the Davis Cup this year – even if it’s only in doubles.