Fans booed after the Australian Open final as an official praised global efforts to roll out coronavirus vaccines

• Fans at the Australian Open booed as an official praised COVID vaccine rollout efforts.
• Australia's Deputy Prime Minister called the booing "disgusting" and "un-Australian."
• "This vaccine is going to get our country back to some sort of pre-COVID normality," he said.

Australian Open fans who booed the mention of a coronavirus vaccine rollout following Sunday's final have been branded "disgusting" by the country's deputy prime minister.

The booing occurred as Tennis Australia chair Jayne Hrdlicka spoke following Novak Djokovic's straight sets win over Daniil Medvedev Sunday.

As Hrdlicka praised global efforts to roll out multiple COVID-19 vaccines and said that this is a cause for optimism around the world, fans at the Rod Laver could be heard booing.

"With vaccinations on the way, rolling out in many countries around the world, it's now a time for optimism and hope for the future," she said as boos came from the stands.

Boos also rang out as Hrdlicka thanked the Victorian government for its role in ensuring tournament was able to go ahead as it did.

Last week, the government had ordered residents into a sudden five-day total lockdown amid rising coronavirus infection rates.

Speaking on the booing on Monday, Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said, according to 7 News Australia: "I think it was rather disgusting behaviour. I don't like booing at any event, and certainly any sporting event."

He added: "That's not Australian. I'm sorry, that is just un-Australian. This vaccine is going to get our country back to some sort of pre-COVID normality."

"This vaccine is going to prevent Australians from being in an ICU bed down the track, this vaccine needs to roll out right across the country."

Despite having to stop her post-match speech numerous times amid the boos, Hrdlicka still took the time to thank the fans for helping make the tournament "special."

"Another big thank you goes to our fans," she said. "All of you have helped make this a very, very special occasion.

"You are very opinionated group of people, but whether you're at home or here to night, we are really thankful that you're here. We look forward to seeing you next year."