Viewers were unable to view Bernard Tomic’s first round match.
Channel Nine’s foray into the tennis world has received an early slapdown from angry viewers unable to watch Bernard Tomic’s first-round defeat to sixth seed Marin Cilic.
Nine took control of the Australian Open broadcast rights this year in an extraordinary shakeup after losing the cricket rights to rivals Seven and Fox Sports.
But the $350 million investment left fans scratching their heads on day one of the tournament when Tomic’s match was shunned – a move which was labelled an “absolute disgrace” by fans.
Instead of showing the Australian hopeful, Channel Nine opted to broadcast the clash of retiring Scotsman Andy Murray’s clash with Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut, and Roger Federer’s first round match with Denis Istomin – as well as Caroline Wozniacki which preceded it.
Tomic viewers were forced online to find a stream of the match, via 9Now – Channel Nine’s on-demand video service.
And while it’s hard to argue with a decision to show Federer – the greatest – and Murray’s epic five-set defeat in potentially his final ever match, viewers were less than impressed.
“We all know Tomic is a dick. But hes our dick. Put him on free to air
@wwos,” wrote one user.
@wwos,” wrote one user.
Another went one step further, demanding higher action to be taken – by the Australian government, no less.
“Tomic playing Cilic now, not shown. Murray last game on Gem,” wrote David Robertson.
“No app like 7 had over previous years allowing you to pick whatever game you want to watch and cast it to your TV.
“Parliament need to get involve to outlaw 9 from getting anywhere near sport.”
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