Show some respect to all opponents, ousted Pavic asks fans
MELBOURNE : World number one doubles player Mate Pavic
called on crowds at the Australian Open to be more respectful after he and
partner Nikola Mektic were knocked out in the second round by home duo Nick
Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis.
The Australians prevailed in straight sets against the top
ranked duo on Friday evening amid a raucous and at times heated atmosphere at
Melbourne Park.
Pavic's comments come after Daniil Medvedev criticised
sections of the Australian Open crowd following his singles win over Kyrgios on
Thursday.
"They are pretty loud," Pavic said of the home
fans.
"Obviously they cheer for Aussies. It wouldn't hurt
them to show some respect to all opponents, to other players.
"We saw yesterday also with Medvedev how it was. That's
how they are here. We're used to that.
"But like I said, it wouldn't hurt them to show some
respect."
Pavic and Mektic lost the first set 10-8 in a tiebreak
before the Australians took the second set 6-3 to advance to the third round,
to the delight of the boisterous crowd in the Kia Arena.
"It all went very fast, very loud," said Mektic.
"We barely survived yesterday just to fight another
day. It looks like, just the guys played really well. They're a nasty team to
beat here and that's it. We just fell short."
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