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Australian Open Ambience 2021

Australian Open fast facts


John McEnroe is the only player to be disqualified from an Australian Open match in the Open era.

At the 1990 Australian Open, McEnroe was leading Swede Mikael Pernfors 6-1 4-6 7-5 2-4 in the fourth round when he was defaulted by chair umpire Gerry Armstrong for swearing after receiving a point penalty for racket abuse, following an earlier warning for intimidating a lineswoman.

McEnroe was caught out by the reduction from four offences for a default to three. “I guess it was bound to happen,” said a contrite McEnroe. “I don’t have anyone to blame but myself for not knowing the rules.”


Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.