Jannik Sinner is the defending champion at the Australian Open (Image: Getty)
will attempt to defend his title when he faces Alexander Zverev on Sunday.
The world No. 1 lifted his first Grand Slam trophy Down Under 12 months ago but there was an unusual interruption during the victory ceremony when fans booed the Prime Minister.
The Master of Ceremonies read out a list of influential guests’ names, including Anthony Albanese, which sparked a huge response from the crowd.
Last year, Sinner stormed back from two sets down to beat 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 6-3 in the men’s singles final. It was his first Major victory and the Italian later went on to lift another trophy at the US Open.
Before he could get his hands on the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup, there was an awkward disruption during the trophy presentation when Todd Woodbridge acknowledged some special guests.
A former doubles champion, Woodbridge has become a respected presenter and pundit in the tennis world. But he was stopped in his tracks while conducting the ceremony as he listed Australian Prime Minister Albanese while welcoming the top attendees.
Of all the names read out, Abanese’s was the only one that prompted the 15,000-strong Rod Laver Arena crowd to start booing. Woodbridge had to pause his speech to let the jeers subside before continuing.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was booed during last year’s trophy ceremony (Image: Getty)
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While there haven’t been similar incidents involving political figures so far at the 2025 , the fans have already been criticised for their behaviour towards some players.
was booed off the court by a group of spectators when he retired from his semi-final against Zverev on Friday. The 10-time champion at Melbourne Park had picked up an injury during his quarter-final match a few days earlier.
He played a lost one 81-minute set against Zverev before calling it quits. As he waved goodbye to the crowd, some booed him. Zverev
“Please, guys, don’t boo a player when he goes out with an injury,” he said.
“He has won this tournament with an abdominal tear, he has won this tournament with a hamstring tear. If he cannot continue a tennis match it really means that he cannot continue a tennis match.”
Retired Australian tennis player John Millman took to social media to slam the fans’ response as “classless”.
Seven-time Major winner Justine Henin told Eurosport it was an “ugly moment” while Britain’s Laura Robson was “disappointed” by the boos.