Alexander Kudryavtsev: 'Australian tennis fans are animals'

Alexander Kudryavtsev has described the home fans at the Australian Open as "animals" following his defeat to Marinko Matosevic earlier today.

The Russian lost in five sets to the Australian on court three this morning, denying him the chance to face two-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray in the second round.

The 29-year-old pointed out a group of vocal Australian supporters during the match, and was heard to tell the umpire: "They are animals."

Matosevic defended his supporters though, telling reporters: "I don't think they were [animals], I thought it was a very fair crowd. The crowd was unbelievable, I thought, like, very respectful."

The win was Matosevic's first at the Melbourne event.