Pepper Spray at the Australian Open
For the second year in a row, the tennis matches at the 2008 Australian Open have been marred by police interceding to break up rowdy fans. Last year, there were problems between Serbian and Croatian fans. This year, police sprayed pepper spray at some Greek fans. This is a very disturbing trend at what has been labeled the “happy slam.” Fortunately, there have so far not been similar problems with fans at the French
Open, Wimbledon or the U.S. Open. There is often a wonderful spirit of national pride featuring flags, t-shirts, banners, etc. at many matches at the Australian Open similar to spirited Davis Cup ties. However, one hopes that these rowdy episodes will not be repeated during the rest of the championships or at future Grand Slams.
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