Furious tennis fans are demanding the immediate removal of former player Wally Masur from Australian Open commentary duties following a series of shocking remarks aimed at ten-time champion Novak Djokovic.
Controversial Commentary Sparks Outrage
The controversy ignited during Djokovic's dominant first-round victory on Monday night at Melbourne Park. The Serbian superstar, chasing a record-extending 11th Australian Open title, dismantled Spain's Pedro Martinez in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2, marking his 100th match win at the tournament.
As the match became one-sided, commentator and former Australian Open semi-finalist Wally Masur made a remark that left viewers stunned. Masur suggested that Martinez's only chance would be if Djokovic suffered a serious injury, specifically mentioning a torn adductor muscle from one of his trademark slides.
"I think that's Pedro's biggest chance if Novak just tears an adductor on one of those slides. It might be just what he needs," Masur said during the broadcast.
Fan Fury Erupts on Social Media
While likely intended as a clumsy form of praise for Djokovic's invincibility, fans universally interpreted the comment as Masur wishing harm upon the world number one. Social media platforms were quickly flooded with calls for his dismissal.
One viewer wrote, "Seriously, what is wrong with these people.. This Grand slam needs new host, they are disgraceful." Another directed a furious post at tournament organisers: "@AustralianOpen @CraigTiley fire that fucking asshole Wally Masur. This is not a good look for you all."
Others condemned the sentiment, regardless of intent. "You can root against him but you don’t wish bodily harm on anybody ffs," one fan stated. Another added, "Manifesting what the commentator wants to happen. It's basically an indirect way of wishing Novak injury."
Awkward Interview Adds to the Fire
The fallout continued in a post-match interview where Masur's line of questioning took another uncomfortable turn. After footage was shown of a 24-year-old, shirtless Djokovic celebrating his 2012 title win, Masur commented on the athlete's physique.
"Novak, you said you're taking care of your mind and your body, you've certainly taken care of your body," Masur said. "That's pretty impressive. What's that, like, one per cent body fat?"
When Djokovic tried to steer the conversation back to physical functionality on court, Masur interjected. After Djokovic said, "I'm speaking about my body so I get excited, you know what I mean?" Masur replied, "I'm getting excited."
A visibly taken-aback Djokovic responded, "No, oh, no, no, no, no." This exchange further fuelled the perception of unprofessional conduct.
Masur's difficult night extended to an interview with Russian player Andrey Rublev, where he admitted they weren't "connecting," prompting a blunt retort from Rublev about the obvious challenges of outdoor tennis conditions.
The series of incidents has placed Australian Open broadcaster WWOS and tournament director Craig Tiley under significant pressure to address the commentary standards, with a large section of the global tennis community calling for decisive action.
