EXCLUSIVE: John Millman's COVID theory for changing nature of tennis crowds and why it 'isn't isolated' to Australian Open

Former Aussie tennis player John Millman has some advice for athletes struggling to handle raucous crowds in Melbourne.

A record number of fans have flocked to the Australian Open already, and it's created an electric atmosphere along with a bit of controversy.

During a first round match on Court 6, the chair umpire had to tell fans to stay quiet at least six times as they cheered on young Philippines player Alex Eala.

LIVE COVERAGE: Kyrgios fumes at 'horrendous' call

READ MORE: Osaka in fiery handshake clash

READ MORE: Stan's classic beer moment before winning 4-hour epic

Fiery Spanish star Alejandro Davidovich Fokina butted heads with a small group of fans during his round two match on Wednesday, whom he later called "four drunk idiots".

And many eagle-eyed viewers believe teenage talent Mirra Andreeva mouthed "f--- you all" to the crowd as she celebrated her win on Wednesday night. Others thought she said "thank you all".

Andreeva had battled Maria Sakkari as well as a pro-Greek crowd.

Watch the Australian Open live & free on the 9Network & 9Now. Stan Sport is the only place to watch every match, live & on demand with centre court in 4K.

This isn't the first year players have clashed with crowds at Melbourne Park, and Millman believes it has become more prevalent since spectators have been allowed back following the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I don't necessarily think it's an isolated issue to just Melbourne," Millman told Wide World of Sports' The Morning Serve.

"I think since COVID, crowds have become more and more vocal.

"The bigger these events get, the more maybe non-traditional tennis fans you'll get coming in though the gates.

"But this isn't isolated to the Australian Open. All you have to do is go to Roland-Garros and see how fired up they get there.

"I think the players will get used to it. As long as the crowd isn't disrespectful and cross a line or get personal, I see no issue."

Millman had his own battles with crowds during his playing career.

They included a match against tennis icon Roger Federer at the US Open in 2018, when Millman stunned the Swiss maestro to win in four sets.

Even when the pair met again at the Australian Open and Millman was the local, he says the crowd was heavily in favour of Federer.

But he learnt to use the crowd to his advantage, no matter which way it leaned.

"A lot of players know when they come on the court what type of crowd you're going to get, whether they be for you or against you," he said.

"I would suggest the players just enjoy it and really soak it up, which is easier said than done.

"It's these atmospheres and these paying customers who pay our ticket and pay our admission.

"For me, what I did was pick out the few people who were going for you, and I used their energy and I fed off it.

"A good example of that will be the (Alex) de Minaur v (Frances) Tiafoe match. There's going to be a crowd that's going for de Minaur, but I guarantee you Tiafoe is going to soak it up and really thrive in those conditions."

Australia's top Open hope de Minaur will meet American star Tiafoe on Rod Laver Arena on Friday night.