New York tennis fans are disgustingly savage, but have little manners, such is the popular belief.
We are, they say, noisy, rude drunkards who treat the Rolex-sponsored sport as akin to dog racing.
They would be… right.
The US Open, currently underway in Flushing Meadows, Queens, is a raucous event, with $32 champagne glass These are the entrances to the dramatic evacuation by security personnel.
On Friday night, world No. 28 Alexei Popyrin No. 2 Novak Djokovic eliminated At Arthur Ashe Stadium, there was a blotto Barney Gumble in the crowd who, every time he yelled “Novaaaak!”, sounded like he was spitting out toy cars.
Not to be left behind, one kid actually vomited in front of me in the stands. His parents, who were paragons of class and etiquette, fled the scene of the crime without so much as an “apology.”
By the way, the US Open is the only Grand Slam that writes a message on the Jumbotron asking fans to maintain restraint.
“Sportsmanship matters,” the kindergarten-style nudge reads. “Be a good sportsman and cheer for good shots and effort, not double faults and unforced errors.”
good luck with that.
Yes, New York tennis fans are ruthless monsters.
But would you believe that we are not the most uncivilized people in the world?
I've attended every Grand Slam – the US Open, the Australian, the French and Wimbledon – and one man's proud ruggedness stands far above the rest.
Les French!
Compared to the unbridled madness of Roland Garros in Paris, the US Open is a Sunday mass event.
French spectators are absolutely determined to prevent any real tennis from interfering with their sunny outdoor enjoyment.
The crowd wailed, chanting “Honorable! Honorable! Honorable!”, while umpires pleaded with the drunken crowd for several minutes to stop waving their hands so play could resume.
They have the silliest tennis cheer—which they stole from Spain—in which one person yells “Ba-ba-ba-baaaaaah!” and the rest yell “Olé!” They'll do it about 1,000 times.
Then, at 3 p.m., everyone except the players goes to eat lunch. goodbye!
The situation became so desperate this spring that tournament director Alcohol was bannedThe discussion started when a fan spat gum at David Goffin for beating a Frenchman. sacred blue!
The Belgian rightly called his neighbours “absolutely disgraceful”.
Perhaps what will transform one of tennis’ premiere showcases into last call is the new self-serve “beer wall,” where you tap your credit card and act as your own bartender for $11.
There's no one to stop you. And it's dangerously easy to use – so I'm told.
What about our peers? The Australian Open in Melbourne is being hosted by a country that is known for its pub haunts but is surprisingly evenly matched.
It is also nicknamed the “Happy Slam”. Probably because Australians are so happy that all the overseas superstars fly 15 hours to come there.
AO says “no worries.”
Meanwhile at Wimbledon in London, to call it etiquette would be an understatement. Speak above a whisper on Centre Court and you could be arrested.
Indeed. The guards and ushers are 477 members of the British military.
The terrified fans, dressed in frocks and blazers, clap at the end of the point and watch their better players in the Royal Box. Their “oohs” and “aahs” are so precise you wonder if they have practised it.
Despite the freely available Pimms Cups and ubiquitous champagne, the nanny is always on the shoulder of those buttoned-up Brits.
don't be naughty.,
This is not the case in the colonies.
Before his match on Friday, Djokovic praised the unique atmosphere of the US Open. “They support the players,” the Serb said. “It's very noisy!”
But Novak knows the numbers are a double-edged sword for New Yorkers.
This noise became especially loud when he was defeated.
