Player complaints continue after rule change allowing more fan movement at Australian Open

When Novak Djokovic complained to the chair umpire about wasting “30, 40, 50 seconds” because of spectators moving after every game during his first-round match, it was obvious rules had been relaxed at the Australian Open. That was actually a little bit of a topic in the locker room.” Dimitrov, who won a title at a tune-up tournament in Brisbane last week, said the players should get more notice “whether it’s a Slam or any other tournament.” “I think it’s going to be better if it’s communicated to the players first. “I don’t know if it’s really the best rule, but I do understand from a tournament and fan perspective it’s probably better because they don’t want to wait,” he said. “They want to come out and enjoy every single point.” Leading players in the women’s draw were also surprised by the late notice. “Like we’re trying to shorten the changeovers, then we are waiting for people to sit down.” Tournament director Craig Tiley defended the changes, telling the tournament’s host broadcaster that organisers will have to “go on a bit of a journey with the players and with the fans.” “We’ve been doing it in the upper bowl of the stadiums now for years, and we just want to bring it down to the lower bowls,” he said.