Djokovic deported, McEnroe defaulted: 5 huge Australian Open controversies
The focus at the Australian Open should always be on the tennis – but that hasn’t always been the case.
Amid this year’s tournament, we look back at five of the most controversial incidents in the tournament’s history.
2022: Novak Djokovic’s deportation
Perhaps the most controversial moment in Australian Open history came just three years ago when Djokovic was infamously deported from Australia.
Djokovic flew to Australia to defend his title, claiming to have received a medical exemption to avoid vaccination requirements, only for his visa to immediately be cancelled on his arrival in Melbourne.
After being detained five days in an immigration detention centre, the Serbian successfully mounted a legal challenge and was allowed to practice on-site ahead of his bid for a 10th title Down Under.
However, following a second court case and days of controversy, the Australian government managed to cancel Djokovic’s visa for a second time and the world No 1 was forced to leave the country.
2006: Henin’s controversial retirement
One of the most controversial on-court moments came back in 2006 when Justine Henin – a four-time major winner at that stage – faced Amelie Mauresmo in the women’s singles final.
Mauresmo was considered the greatest female player to have never won a major and breezed to a 6-1, 2-0 lead before Henin retired due to stomach cramps caused by accidental anti-inflammatory use.
It was the third retirement the Frenchwoman had benefitted from that tournament, but Henin’s decision to call it quits was the focus of attention.
The tennis great was widely slammed with doubles legend and ESPN pundit Pam Shriver among her harshest critics.
Shriver claimed her respect for Henin had “disintegrated” and that the Belgian’s reputation was “tarnished forever”.
1999: Korda’s title defence marred in scandal
Jannik Sinner is defending his Australian Open under a doping cloud in 2025, though things were even more intense for Petr Korda back in 1999.
The Czech triumphed in 1998 though it was revealed in December that year that the former world No 2 had tested positive for nandrolone following his Wimbledon quarter-final exit that summer.
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) did not ban Korda, a decision that caused huge controversy – with the governing body ultimately appealing its own decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Player reaction was hugely negative and, though rumours of a boycott did not materialise, Korda’s participation in Melbourne was largely unwelcome.
Korda would lose in the third round and he was eventually banned for 12 months in September 1999, though had already announced his retirement by this stage.
1999: Mauresmo victim of cruel jibes
Seven years before winning the title, Mauresmo was front and centre of controversy at the 1999 tournament.
Unseeded and just 19 years old, the Frenchwoman’s big serve and graceful style of play saw her storm through the draw and she stunned world No 1 Lindsay Davenport in the semi-finals.
Mauresmo had previously revealed that she was in a relationship with a woman – an announcement that received huge praise, but also saw the star become the victim of some rather crass comments.
Davenport crudely, yet perhaps unintentionally, said she was “playing a guy” – later stating this referred to Mauresmo’s playing style – while Hingis reportedly described Mauresmo as “half a man”.
Hingis denied the comments but the row overshadowed the final, which the Swiss won in straight sets.
Australian Open News
Novak Djokovic ‘grateful’ for Andy Murray as he explains emotional gesture after Carlos Alcaraz win
Australian Open: Ben Shelton & Madison Keys match historic Serena & Roddick feat
1990: McEnroe defaulted
Tennis icon McEnroe played just five Australian Open titles and never lifted the title, with his most infamous moment at the event coming in 1990.
The fourth seed had reached the fourth round and was up against Sweden’s Mikael Pernfors before losing his cool.
McEnroe received a first warning after the umpire judged him to have intimidated a linesperson, and then received a point penalty for smashing a racket.
After arguing with the umpire, supervisor, and tournament referee, the American was ultimately defaulted from the contest; he had been leading 6-1, 4-6, 7-5, 4-2.
It was the first default for a man at a Grand Slam tournament since 1963.
Read Next: 5 times Novak Djokovic has been accused of faking injury after McEnroe claim: ft. Federer & Roddick
