Luca Berrettini, the dad of Australian Open tennis star Matteo Berrettini, has been caught vaping in a violation of the tournament’s rules.
The rule-breaking incident occurred during Holger Rune’s 7-6 2-6 6-3 7-6 victory over Italian star Berrettini on Thursday at John Cain Arena.
Berrettini’s father, watching the match from one of the new courtside coaching pods at Melbourne Park, was spotted discreetly vaping.
He was seen hiding the vaping device in his hand – taking quick puffs – as he watched his son lose in the second round to Danish 13th-seed Rune.
Footage of Berrettini’s father vaping was uploaded to TikTok with a social media user writing ‘vape much’ as the caption.
‘Smoking, including e-cigarettes and/or vaping, is not permitted inside arenas within the Event Area or within 10 metres of the external doors and any food outlet,’ the The Melbourne & Olympic Parks website reads.
‘Should you wish to smoke or vape, please do so via the designated areas.’
Berrettini’s father could be kicked out of the Australian Open because of his secret vaping.
Australian Open rules state: ‘Any guest who breaches any of the Conditions of Entry may be evicted from the Event Area or event (and, where relevant, the M&OP Precinct).’
Rune, meanwhile, is set to face Miomir Kecmanovic in the third round of the Australian Open after his four-set win over Berrettini.
Rune’s mother went viral at the Shanghai Masters last year for giving her son an icy glare during one of his matches.
‘Holger Rune and his mum were not getting on,’ presenter Bela Shah said when analysing the incident for Sky Sports News.
‘She is scary!’ fellow Sky Sports presenter Pete Graves added. ‘No offence.’