The Australian Open kicked off today in Melbourne; top seeds are Maria Sharapova and Roger Federer. The women’s draw for the Open includes 18 Russians! Today’s action includes the longest tiebreaker in the history of the Open.
Unfortunately, not all the Open news is good news. On a more somber note, Serbian and Croatian spectators came to blows inside Melbourne Park. Fights broke out in the stands after fans traded barbs during play between Mario Ancic of Croatia and Go Soeda of Japan. In a violent exchange heretofore unseen in the world of tennis, Croatian and Serbian rivals wearing their national colors even used flag poles as weapons during the scuffle.
Police and private guards ejected an estimated 150 fans, though no arrests were made and no injuries were treated. “They were mostly Serbians ejected as they were upsetting the Croatians,” Victoria State Police spokeswoman Katherine Jess said. “Police are now meeting with Tennis Australia officials to work out the next move.” Tuesday’s play includes a match between Croatia’s Marin Cilic and Serbia’s Ilia Bozoljac; organizers have tightened security and say that they will tolerate no strife.