Australian Open fans realised one player’s dad was using a prohibited device while sitting courtside.
Matteo Berrettini’s dad was spotted using a vape courtside (Image: TikTok @spiza08)
Matteo Berrettini’s dad Luca took his place in one of the new courtside coaching pods to cheer his son during his second-round match against Holger Rune.
But eagle-eyed fans quickly noticed Berrettini’s father was taking quick puffs of a vape while sitting in the box on John Cain Arena.
Rune came out on top, beating the Italian 7-6(3) 2-6 6-3 7-6(6) in a tight four-setter.
The match became too much for Berrettini’s dad Luca, who was seen taking cheeky puffs of his vape while sitting in the corner of the court.
Although he wasn’t pulled up on it during the match, spectators filmed his discreetly vaping and shared the footage on TikTok. One video caption read: “Vape much”.
Melbourne Park’s code of conduct for spectators confirms that vaping is not allowed inside the venues. Those who break the rules can be removed from the arena or from the tournament altogether.
Matteo Berrettini suffered a four-set defeat to Holger Rune (Image: Getty)
“Smoking, including e-cigarettes and/or vaping, is not permitted inside arenas within the event area or within 10 metres of the external doors and any food outlet,” the conditions of entry read.
“Should you wish to smoke or vape, please do so via the designated areas.”
Berrettini’s dad was lucky not to get caught, as he risked being kicked out of the match and possibly the tournament.
The Melbourne and Olympic Park entry conditions state: “Any guest who breaches any of the Conditions of Entry may be evicted from the Event Area or event (and, where relevant, the M&OP Precinct).”
Fans on TikTok weren’t happy to see Luca escape a ban. “Yet I do that and I’m kicked out, probably banned and fined more than a months worth of work,” one user commented.
Another demanded: “Give him a fine and ban him from the premises for the rest of his players’ time in the event.”
Although Berrettini will be disappointed with his second-round exit, the good news is the tournament won’t need to retroactively ban his dad from watching his matches after watching back footage of him vaping.
Meanwhile, Rune will take on Miomir Kecmanovic for a spot in the second week. The 13th seed has had a tough draw so far, beating rising star Zhizhen Zhang in five sets before needing four to oust Berrettini.
News
Emma Raducanu accepts Qatar Open wildcard as Brit seeks to end losing streak
Emma Raducanu has accepted a late wildcard to play the Qatar Open in Doha. Emma Raducanu has lost all of her last three matches (Image: Getty) Emma Raducanu has accepted a late wildcard to play next week’s Qatar Masters as she bids…
Emma Raducanu’s schedule unclear after losing three matches in a row
Emma Raducanu’s schedule is up in the air following her Abu Dhabi Open exit. Emma Raducanu’s schedule is uncertain following her Abi Dhabu defeat (Image: Getty) Emma Raducanu’s upcoming WTA Tour schedule remains up in the air. The Brit has lost her last…
Daniil Medvedev involved in very tense moment with rival after body hit
Daniil Medvedev was involved in an uneasy flashpoint at the Rotterdam Open. Daniil Medvedev flashed a stern look at Mattia Bellucci at the end of the point (Image: TENNIS TV) Daniil Medvedev flashed a steely look at Mattia Bellucci after the Italian…
Tennis star Danielle Collins shades critics with latest ‘kiss my a–‘ video in Bahamas
Danielle Collins has made good on her promise to rub Australia’s face in it. The former Australian Open finalist was booed off court after her third round defeat to eventual champion Madison Keys after the Melbourne crowd turned on her. The hot-headed…
Tennis fans stunned after Zizou Bergs tackled Cristian Garin during Davis Cup — and still won: ‘Shocking decision’
The Davis Cup tie between Belgium and Chile descended into chaos after a Belgian player won his match despite shoulder-charging his opponent, who pleaded for the match to be stopped. Belgium edged Chile 3-1 in the first round of Davis…
Carlos Alcaraz concedes to Jannik Sinner as Spaniard makes ‘crazy’ admission
Carlos Alcaraz has made where he stands on Jannik Sinner clear. Carlos Alcaraz has hailed Jannik Sinner. (Image: TENNIS TV) Carlos Alcaraz has conceded that Jannik Sinner is currently on another level than him and every other player on the ATP…
End of content
No more pages to load