"This is the wokest tournament ever": Jordan Thompson blasts Australian Open after being left gobsmacked at sudden rule change

Jordan Thompson has branded the Australian Open 'the wokest tournament ever' after a damning tirade during his opener in Melbourne.

This comes down to a rule change as new rules dictate that fans can enter the stadium between games which put Thompson out of his stride as he was waiting for fans to take their seats in the stadium.

Read also

(VIDEO) Distressing scenes as Terence Atmane forced to quit amid brutal Australian Open heat against Daniil Medvedev

"You're kidding me, really?" Thompson said in surprise and then he took aim at the tournament itself. "This is the wokest tournament ever."

Thompson was explained the rules, but even then found them to be stupid. "It's just not smart."

He's not the only one to fall fowl of the new rule with Novak Djokovic launching into an expletive laden tirade during his opener against Dino Prizmic. To which he admitted post match that he didn't know about any changes.

'I did not know about that new policy or new rule,' he said.

'Look, I mean, I understand the motive behind it is to enhance and improve the experience for fans, right? We do play for fans. We want fans to have a great, thrilling experience of being out on the court.

Read also

Commentary clanger courts criticism as John McEnroe disrespectfully admits not knowing who Zizou Bergs is at Australian Open

'It's hard, I must say. I understand that and I support it to some extent, but at the same time all my career, all my life I've been used to some kind of atmosphere. When that changes, it kind of messes up, distracts you a bit."

'Today we lost quite a bit of time when they were letting people in to come to their seats, even though it was not a changeover. My opponent would wait for them to sit down. It dragged a lot.

'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. They want to come out and enjoy every single point.

'I'm kind of divided between the two in a way.'

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Unlock your ultimate tennis experience—subscribe today for exclusive access to top stories.

Subscribe