Australian Open crowd behaved like 'animals': Alexander Kudryavtsev

Alexander Kudryavtsev speaks to the umpire in his first round match against Marinko Matosevic

Melbourne, Jan 19 (IANS)

Russian tennis player Alexander Kudryavtsev accused the Australian fans of behaving like "animals" during his defeat at the hands of local talent Marinko Matosevic on Day 1 of the Australian Open here Monday.

"They are animals," the Russian was heard saying to the umpire reports news.com.au Monday.

Matosevic, however, was unfazed by the crowd behaviour and came back from two sets down to clinch the encounter 6-4, 6-7 (5), 4-6, 7-5, 6-3.

The complaint saw the umpire get down from his chair and pacifying a section of the crowd after the behaviour got to the Russian's nerve, having dropped the fourth set courtesy a double fault.

Matosevic on the contrary said he was pleased with the crowd and believes that it can happen at times in a Grand Slam.

"I don't think they (the crowd) were (animals), I thought it was a very fair crowd, the crowd was unbelievable I thought and very respectful, Alex is a funny guy, but I think only one or two times they (the crowd) may have yelled out between serves," Matosevic said Monday.

"But it is a Grand Slam and that can happen at times."