Andy Murray says he was “incredibly irritated” by the Cristiano Ronaldo chant at the opening round of the Australian Open this week.
The 34 year old tennis star could hear what was thought to be boos following his hard-fought victory over Nikoloz Basilashvili.
Murray returned to the Melbourne arena where he thought he had played his last competitive game in 2019, to defeat Basilashvili 6-1, 3-6, 6-4, 6-7, 6-4 in a five-sets.
During his nail-biting tournament opener cries of ‘SIU’ – a celebration inspired with Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo – could be heard being shouted by the crowd, baffling many.
Murray magic ✨@andy_murray outlasts Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-1, 3-6, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-4 after nearly four hours of tennis!#AusOpen · #AO2022
🎥: @wwos · @espn · @Eurosport · @wowowtennis pic.twitter.com/lr9xMN8f9M
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2022
The popularity of CR7’s run, jump and shout celebration has hit the heights since his move back to the Premier League last year, now it’s reached fans Down Under.
Despite what were supposed to be celebrations by the spectators, Murray revealed he found the cries irritating: “I think it’s like ‘Siuu’ or something that Ronaldo does when he scores.
“And, yeah, it was incredibly irritating (smiling). Yeah, I think that’s what they were doing.”
The former British and world Number 1 also revealed that he thought the crowd were booing him when he initially heard the sound.
Murray said: “Initially, I thought it was [booing], because there were some people booing during my practice yesterday.
“I had no idea what for. Yeah, so originally that’s what I thought it was.”
Murray has had a rough few years, having been on the brink of retirement in Melbourne three years ago, but last week, he saw his bid for a first ATP title since October 2019 end in a straight-set defeat by Russian top seed Aslan Karatsev in the Sydney Classic final.
Then Murray marked his return to the Australian Open with a tense five-set win over Georgian 21st seed Nikoloz Basilashvili to set up a second round meeting with Japanese qualifier Taro Daniel on Thursday.
On being back competing at the highest level following his five-set victory, he said: “It was amazing. It has been a tough three or four years,” commented the two-time Wimbledon champion.
“I’ve put in a lot of work to get back here. I have played on this court many times and the atmosphere is incredible. I have always had fantastic support.
“This is where I thought I had potentially played my last match three years ago but it is amazing to be back, winning a five-set battle like that. I couldn’t ask for any more.”
With Andy Murray “incredibly irritated” by the Cristiano Ronaldo chant at this year’s Australian Open, it has also had a influence elsewhere.
The most cringe SIIUU moment coming in the last round of the FA CUp when Cambridge United players celebrated their upset at Newcastle United.
The League One outfit were told to ‘liquidate’ after posting a video on social media showing their players copying the celebration, as can be seen below…
Que Siurá, Siurá. #CamUTD pic.twitter.com/VASbA63SdC
— Cambridge United FC (@CambridgeUtdFC) January 9, 2022
@martinglynn: Well now you’ve spoilt it.
@benny_6767: Was happy for you, not now.
@harrybwfc446: Liquidate after that
@MichaelLofthou5: Sorry lads totally ruined a fantastic day right there
@JohnzyT: Wtf was that
@HarnettP24: Tainted a good win there, lads.
@maxeroberts_: I did congratulate you but I take it back
@andrewhogg007: To think I was cheering them on, feel a bit dirty now.
@danp91: Throw them out the cup immediately
@JoeBillGibbo: Cringe. Hope you get Boreham Wood away next round and lose 8-0.
@lewis125: Tin pot as fuck
@JackWFC123: This is fucking minging
@FelixLUFC: With that you’ve ruined any credit you deserved after beating a Premier League team
@Armstrong115A: That is absolutely horrific haha
@JayBCFC_: Jesus Christ this is fucking tragic. Why did you have to ruin it
@BellaCascata: disqualify them now
@Thomas_C22: I think we all take back any congratulations
@FinlayThomson5: Not even being a sore loser but this is up there with one of the worst things I’ve ever seen
@SteveBarry10: Massive respect to the 3 or 4 players looking on in absolute disgust at the back
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