Australian Open kicks off with what critics dub the ‘worst national anthem ever’

The Australian Open men’s singles final has started with what critics have slammed as the ‘worst national anthem ever’.

Australian singer-songwriter Gordi took to Rod Laver Arena at Melbourne Park before the blockbuster clash between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev on Sunday night to perform Advance Australia Fair.

But the backlash quickly followed on Twitter over Gordi’s performance, which included her singing the outdated lyrics of ‘young and free’.   

‘The worst Australian anthem ever. Where’s the passion?,’ one person said.

Singer Gordi performs the national anthem prior to the Men’s Singles Final match between Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Daniil Medvedev of Russia

Another quipped: ‘Are there no singers in Australia? Why such ridiculous and disappointing delivery of the Australian anthem at a big event such as the #AustralianOpen’. 

The Australian Open was the first time Gordi has performed at a major event. She also performed the national anthem ahead of the women’s singles final on Saturday.  

‘Last time I sang the national anthem in front of a crowd it was to perhaps 30 people in Canowindra’s Morris Park when I was 11. In a small step up I will be performing the anthem at the women’s and men’s Australian Open final this weekend. Hazaar,’ Gordi earlier posted on social media. 

The lyrics of Advance Australia Fair was recently amended by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, changing from ‘for we are young and free’ to ‘for we are one and free’.  

The national anthem followed on from a performance of ‘Welcome to the Rock’ from the cast of the musical Come From Away.  

More to come.