Yulia Putintseva Responds to 'Disrespectful' Crowd with Cheeky Dance at Australian Open
Kazakh tennis player Yulia Putintseva has hit back at what she described as "disrespectful" behaviour from fans at the Australian Open, following her hard-fought third-round victory over crowd favourite Zeynep Sonmez. The partisan atmosphere in Melbourne saw loud cheers and screams directed against Putintseva, particularly during critical moments of the match.
Partisan Crowd Sparks Controversy
Putintseva secured her place in the fourth round of the Australian Open for the first time with a 6-3, 6-7 (3), 6-3 win. However, the triumph was marred by what she perceived as unsportsmanlike conduct from spectators. In a post-match interview, Putintseva expressed her frustration, stating, "There is always someone in favour and someone to cheer for, that’s what’s great about the sport. But today I think was really a lot of disrespectful moments when they were screaming between my first and second serve. Like really loud, just to make me (make a) mistake."
The crowd, largely supporting Turkish player Zeynep Sonmez, created a charged environment that tested Putintseva's focus and resilience on the court.
Celebratory Dance and Gestures
In a defiant response, video footage captured Putintseva celebrating her victory with a cheeky dance and gesturing towards the stands after the final point. This act prompted boos from sections of the audience during her subsequent post-match interview, highlighting the ongoing tension between the player and the fans.
To maintain her composure amidst the hostile atmosphere, Putintseva revealed a unique mental strategy. She shared that she sang an old Russian song about rabbits to herself during the match, a technique that helped her stay calm and focused under pressure.
Advancing in the Tournament
Despite the challenging crowd dynamics, Putintseva's performance showcased her skill and determination, propelling her into the fourth round of the prestigious Grand Slam event. This achievement marks a significant milestone in her career at the Australian Open, setting the stage for further competition in Melbourne.
The incident has sparked discussions about fan behaviour in tennis, emphasising the fine line between passionate support and disrespectful actions that can impact players' performances.
