Tennis continues to surge in nations once considered outsiders, driven by a new generation proving talent knows no borders. From populous countries like Brazil, players are igniting fan bases with their flair and fight. Yet support can cut both ways. As Beatriz Haddad Maia exited early in Melbourne, Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva, known for seizing the moment, turned the crowd’s energy into pointed jabs back at them.

Down 1-3 in the final set, Putintseva won the last five games and defeated the 29-year-old 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 in the Australian Open first round. The match lasted nearly three hours, and she appeared irritated by the loud Brazilian fans throughout. A technical issue that caused screeching feedback from the chair umpire’s microphone also distracted her.

Both moments added visible tension on the court, and after sealing the win, Putintseva made her feelings clear by offering a brief handshake, performing a small victory dance, and delivering a big bow to the crowd.

As part of the AO’s ongoing revamp, the Courtside Bar at Court 6 now connects to Court 5 and Court 7 via a balcony. This layout increases the risk that crowd noise will affect matches. Rowdy spectators can now easily catch the players’ attention, sometimes causing frustration on the court.

Yulia Putintseva was clearly irritated by the crowd. However, it is not the first time she has made headlines for on-court confrontations. Her previous flare-up occurred at the Bad Homburg Open last year against Maria Sakkari. Sakkari, a former world No. 3, won her first-round match 7-5, 7-6(6). However, a brief meeting at the net escalated into a heated argument.

Putintseva’s poor handshake attempt triggered Sakkari, who told her to act like a human being. It triggered the Kazakh, and she snapped back.

“I was a human being,” Putintseva said. “Go f— yourself.”

“What did you say?” Sakkari immediately responded.

The argument continued with insults, with Sakkari approaching Putintseva’s bench multiple times.

“Nobody likes you,” the former world No. 3 said. “When you shake hands, you look people in the eye.”

The chair umpire chose to stay seated rather than intervene.

“I don’t think she’s going to invite me for dinner for the rest of our lives,” Sakkari joked during her on-court interview. “But I don’t care to be honest. I have very good friends.”

At the 2024 US Open, Putintseva also drew attention for ignoring a ball girl. She stood still and let balls go past her before later apologizing. Despite clashes with fans and opponents, the Brazilian crowd’s enthusiasm remains strong. And if you doubt it, just ask the current ATP world No. 32.

Joao Fonseca praises the “crazy” support of Brazilian fans

Joao Fonseca is one of tennis’ most exciting young stars. At just 19, he is widely expected to establish himself among the elite in the coming years.

The Brazilian has already climbed to 24th place in the world rankings (highest). This rise follows a successful first full year on tour, which included two ATP titles. While his talent is clear, he also enjoys strong support back home. Fonseca expressed gratitude for the experience of being backed wherever he goes.

“Yeah, it’s just amazing to see the kids, not only from Brazil, but also from other countries, saying that I inspire them, that I am their idol,” he said on the Inside-In Podcast. “It’s just crazy because five years ago, I was the one asking for autographs and yeah, asking for pictures. So it’s just super cool, the support in Brazil.”

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Fonseca also described how the encouragement reaches him in daily life because someone always ends up recognizing him at a restaurant.

Brazilian fans may be disappointed by Beatriz Haddad Maia’s early loss, but Fonseca offers them hope. He will play his first-round match at the 1573 Arena on Tuesday at 2:00 pm, with the expectation that he will dig deep into the Slam this year.