Melbourne: Stanislas Wawrinka took Australian Open fans to task on Sunday after sections of the crowd booed Rafael Nadal for taking a medical time-out during men’s singles final.
The newly crowned champion said it was “not that nice” that fans booed the Spanish world No 1, who was in clear discomfort with a back injury during the second set.
“I think it was not that nice, especially Rafa,” Wawrinka said. “We all know that he’s a great guy, a great player. He’s always a really fair player. He always tries his best. He is always fighting.
“Yeah, was quite strange that the crowd started to boo him.”
Wawrinka also had a long argument with the chair umpire when Nadal left the court for treatment, insisting he should be told the nature of his opponent’s injury.
“I just wanted to know what was the problem of Rafa because before he asked for the physio he was checking his feet,” he said. “I didn’t know really what was the problem.
“Normally when the physio is coming on the court, the umpire always tells the opponent why he’s coming. He didn’t want to tell me, so I got [annoyed].”
Wawrinka eventually won the match in four sets to claim his maiden Grand Slam title, in his first major final.
He said he still planned to play Switzerland’s Davis Cup tie with Serbia, starting on Friday — providing he survives his raucous celebrations.
“Davis Cup, it’s really important for me,” he said. “I’m really proud. It’s a big honour to play for my country. So for sure I’m still thinking to go there.
“I don’t know how I’m going to get there exactly, if I’m still going to be alive after tonight, but I’m going to go there... There’s a big chance I get drunk tonight, but we’ll see.”
