During a recent match at the Australian Open, a baby’s cry disrupted the atmosphere of the usually silent Margaret Court Arena, leading to a lively discussion about the appropriateness of bringing young children to sporting events. On March 5, 2024, Italian player Jannik Sinner faced off against his compatriot Luciano Darderi. While Sinner secured a victory, Darderi was momentarily distracted by a young spectator who let out a loud wail just as he was preparing to serve for a tie-break.
Video footage shared on the official Australian Open TikTok page shows Darderi attempting to maintain his focus as the baby cries again. In an amusing moment, he catches the ball before it can bounce off his racquet, eliciting laughter and applause from the audience. The clip has since garnered over two million views, igniting a fierce debate online regarding the presence of infants at such events.
Some social media users questioned the wisdom of bringing babies to tennis matches, with one commenter stating, “But why would you bring a baby to a tennis match?” Others echoed this sentiment, expressing concerns about the appropriateness of young children attending events where silence is traditionally expected. “Don’t bring babies or toddlers to grand slams – they won’t remember it,” another user remarked, while a third voiced a more controversial opinion: “Unpopular opinion: babies shouldn’t be allowed in tennis matches.”
Conversely, some commenters turned their attention to the players, expressing disbelief at their inability to concentrate amidst noise. “The fact that they can’t play through noise is mind-boggling,” one wrote. Another suggested that players should simply adapt by “just hit[ting] the ball and deal[ing] with it or wear[ing] earplugs.”
Despite the uproar, the official rules of the Australian Open permit children and babies to attend matches. Children aged two and under can enter for free, provided they do not occupy a reserved seat. Proof of age is required upon entry, while tickets for children aged three to eleven are available at a reduced rate. For teenagers between the ages of twelve and seventeen, Youth Tickets are offered.
Tennis etiquette calls for silence during play, specifically between first and second serves. Disruptive behavior can lead to removal from the venue, emphasizing the importance of respect for players and their concentration. A spokesperson for Tennis Australia confirmed their inclusive policy, stating, “The Australian Open is open to everyone, including babies and children. We ask that fans treat the players with respect and follow instructions from the chair umpires.”
As the debate continues, this incident highlights the ongoing discussion about audience behavior in professional sports and the balance between inclusivity and maintaining the integrity of the game.
