- A flagrant act is a violation of the conditions of entry to Melbourne Park.
- It happened during a tense match against Holger Rune.
- Fans have been left furious that the star's father got his way.
The father of a defeated Australian Open star has put himself at risk of being banned from the tournament for breaking a clear rule.
The Danish Holger Rune, seeded number 13, defeated the talented Italian Matteo Berrettini 7-6 (7-3), 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (8-6) on Thursday.
During the intense match, Berrettini's father, Luca, watched from one of the new training pods next to the tournament court.
However, fans criticized him after they saw him vaping discreetly, hiding the device in his hand and taking quick puffs during his son's game.
The footage was posted on TikTok with the caption “vaping a lot.”
The Melbourne and Olympic Parks website clearly states that smoking and vaping are not allowed inside the venue, and there are signs posted around the facilities.
TikTok footage showed Italian star Matteo Berrettini's father, Luca, watching his son's game on Thursday while discreetly hiding a vaporizer in his hands.
Luca then blows out a cloud of steam in a clear violation of Australian Open rules.
“Smoking, including e-cigarettes and/or vaping, is not permitted inside stadiums within the event area or within 10 meters of exterior doors and any food establishments,” the website reads.
“If you wish to smoke or vape, please do so through designated areas.”
The conditions also state that Berrettini's father can be banned from the Australian Open due to his actions.
“Any guest who breaches any of the Conditions of Entry may be evicted from the venue or event area (and, where applicable, the M&OP venue),” the rules state.
Several tennis fans were left furious by the Italian's actions and the double standards that allowed him to get away with it.
“If we did that, they would kick us out,” one fumed.
“Yet I do that and I get kicked out, probably banned, and fined over a month of work,” another posted.
“Security is clearly doing their job,” another fan added.
Luca (pictured far left with Matteo, second from left) could be banned from the Australian Open for his actions.
Berrettini is already out of the tournament after losing to Danish star Holger Rune
The development comes as the federal government cracks down on the sale and use of illegal vaping devices.
From 1 July 2024, all vaporizers and vaping products in Australia, including nicotine-free options, can only be sold in pharmacies to help you quit smoking or manage nicotine dependence.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has defined severe penalties for the illegal sale of vaping products, including up to 7 years in prison and fines reaching $2.2 million for individuals and $21.9 million for corporations. .
State and territory laws can vary, so people could face consequences such as confiscation or fines in certain jurisdictions if they are found in possession of illegal vapes.
The Australian government is also launching a national program to prevent young people from taking up vaping.
“Vaping is a modern problem and we need modern, innovative solutions if we are to prevent another generation of people from becoming addicted to nicotine,” Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler said.