Police have ejected more than 150 fans after an ugly clash between Serbian and Croatian supporters marred the opening day of the Australian Open.
With the Croatian contingent at Melbourne Park to watch Mario Ancic in action and the Serbians attending to keep an eye on rising star Jelena Jankovic, tempers boiled over at about midday local time.
Punches were thrown and some spectators were kicked as verbal taunts between the two groups escalated into physical battles.
But police and security moved in and quickly brought the Garden Square area that sits next to Rod Laver Arena back under control.
Tennis Australia later released a statement praising the quick response of security and police, with the two groups moved on in separate directions from the Melbourne Park precinct.
'The only thing I can say, we have the best fans, and they're well-known for their good supporting, correct supporting,' Ancic said after beating Japanese wildcard Go Soeda 6-4 6-3 6-2.
