A highly unusual situation unfolded at the Australian Open on 15th January, Wednesday night when Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina were compelled to leave the court during their second-round match due to loud disruptions from a neighbouring court.
Disruption forces court change
The match between No. 29 seed Auger-Aliassime and Spanish star Davidovich Fokina was initially set to take place on Court 8. However, just seven games into the match, the atmosphere from the adjacent Court 6, known as the 'party court' because of its proximity to a popular bar, became overwhelming.
Fans in the area grew rowdy during the match between Frenchman Arthur Cazaux and British player Jacob Fearnley, creating an environment too loud and disruptive for the players to continue.
Despite the match between Auger-Aliassime and Davidovich Fokina being poised for an exciting encounter, the constant noise from the nearby fans made it difficult for the players to focus.
The atmosphere on Court 6 quickly escalated, resembling the high-energy environment of a Davis Cup tie, with passionate supporters vocally cheering for their respective players.
Umpires intervene and move the match
After 42 minutes of play, the situation became untenable for both competitors. The umpire and tournament officials decided to move the match to Court 7, much to the surprise of those in attendance.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the match is now suspended on this court. We move to Court 7 in just a few minutes," the umpire announced as the players, already disrupted by the chaos, packed up their belongings.
The players made their way to Court 7, and the match resumed immediately with Davidovich Fokina serving at 3-4, without the need for a warm-up. The shift in location didn’t alter the momentum, with the pair continuing the back-and-forth pattern of breaks that had begun earlier.
Davidovich Fokina managed to break to lead 5-4, but Auger-Aliassime responded, levelling the score at 5-5 before ultimately winning the first set 7-6(7) in a thrilling tiebreak.
Court 6’s "Nightclub" reputation raises concerns
Court 6’s reputation for causing disturbances is nothing new. The court features a two-story bar, which has divided opinion among players. In 2024, French player Arthur Rinderknech criticized the rowdy behaviour of spectators, calling the court a "nightclub" after enduring taunts during his match.
Despite the backlash, Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley defended the court, emphasizing its popularity and entertainment value.