Stan Wawrinka is unhappy with the Australian Open’s view on booing

Stan Wawrinka believes tennis fans should be allowed to punch players as it is an integral part of the sport and says they should only be kicked out if they cross the line.

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley announced earlier this week that bshouting and mocking of players is not tolerated at this year’s hard-court Grand Slam, the move came ahead of Novak Djokovic’s return to the event.

Nine-time champion Djokovic missed the season opener last year after being deported from Australia due to his unvaccinated status, but will return to Melbourne Park this year after his visa ban has been lifted.

While the 21-time Grand Slam winner received a warm welcome when he took part in the Adelaide International 1 tournament in South Australia, there are fears things could be different in Melbourne.

However, Tiley had a warning for those looking to boo Djokovic – or any other player.

“If they interfere with other people’s enjoyment, they’re out,” he said. “We don’t want them there. They can stay away or we’ll kick them out.”

However, three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka is not too keen on making booing a taboo, as he believes spectators “should be allowed to do what they want” as long as they don’t cross any boundaries.

“If they cross the line, then yes, but I think they should be allowed to do what they want,” the Swiss told the Herald Sun.

“They do it every year with every player – if they don’t like a player or they like another, they’ll boo one and cheer on the other. It’s tennis. It’s a sport. That’s what you want.

“So obviously things happened with Novak last year, and I think there were a lot of mistakes – not just Novak. I think they won’t boo him. They’ll be happy to see him and it’s going to be a great tournament.

Three-time major winner Andy Murray is on the opposite side of the spectrum as he is not a fan of booing and hopes Djokovic will get a warm reception next week.

“I don’t like players getting booed, it’s not a nice feeling when that happens,” the former world number one said.

“Novak got a lot of support in Adelaide, I’m sure it will be the same in Melbourne.”

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