Tennis fan removed from Australian Open for disruptive behaviour
James Bray, the Sydney-based tennis enthusiast who captured global attention through his vocal backing of British star Emma Raducanu earlier in the tournament, found himself removed from Rod Laver Arena by police on Friday evening, reports BritPanorama.
The 35-year-old had been supporting Australian favourite Alex de Minaur during his fourth-round clash against American Frances Tiafoe when officials deemed his behaviour too boisterous.
Authorities issued Bray with a directive barring him from the Melbourne Park precinct for 24 hours, alongside a fine of £355. The incident marked a dramatic reversal for the fan who had become an internet sensation just days earlier for his enthusiastic courtside presence.
Bray shared a series of videos on his Instagram Story as the situation unfolded, capturing officers informing him of the move-on order. “Kicked out of the Australian Open because I am a fan,” he stated in one clip. “Thank you very much. I appreciate being kicked out of the Australian Open for being an Australian Open fan, being a tennis fan.”
The supporter maintained he had done nothing wrong, insisting his cheering was respectful throughout the match. “I wasn’t cheering in between double faults or in between serves or nothing like that,” Bray explained. “I was just cheering on him like I would generally cheer on any Australian on any court.”
Tennis Australia defended the decision, stating that security personnel had received numerous complaints from fellow spectators regarding Bray’s conduct. “Despite multiple warnings from staff, he refused to modify his behaviour and continued to disrupt those around him,” a spokeswoman for the organisation said.
The governing body confirmed that police were summoned after Bray disregarded advice to tone down his behaviour, though they stressed he had not received a permanent ban from the tournament. Victoria Police confirmed a 35-year-old man was removed for disruptive conduct, adding that 21 individuals in total were ejected from the precinct on Friday for alcohol or behaviour-related matters.
Bray had shot to fame earlier in the week when he attended Raducanu’s second-round victory over Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew, sporting a green and gold vest bearing the word ‘Australia’. Throughout the 6-4 6-1 triumph, he repeatedly called out ‘Raddo’ in support of the 2021 US Open champion. The British player acknowledged his presence during her post-match interview, telling the crowd: “Thank you to the support, I think it was incredible on both sides, and a particular shout-out to ‘Raddo’ apparently is my new nickname.”
Raducanu, who had been managing a foot problem ahead of the tournament, even extended an invitation for him to attend her future matches, joking that he should contact her agent to arrange it. Her hopes of glory were then ended by Anastasia Potapova on Wednesday.
In what illustrates the complex interplay between fandom and tournament protocols, Bray’s spirited support, while well-intentioned, serves as a reminder of how enthusiasm can sometimes cross boundaries — a paradox of modern sport.
