Parisian Tennis - Disputes among fans and the inconvenience of rain cause challenging times at the French Open.
Torrential downpours are causing bedlam in the scheduling, and some fans' impudent conduct is generating displeasure from competitors. The French Open in Paris is now anything but enjoyable. Tournament head Amélie Mauresmo has already spoken to the press and announced certain repercussions: a predawn commencement on Friday to help clear the schedule, a more consistent method for handling miscreants, and a ban on alcohol on the spectator areas.
Mauresmo, a former top-notch player, stated on Thursday, "We will show no quarter in regard to respect for players and the game." She instructed the umpires to be extra vigilant to disturbances and to eject anyone causing issues. "If there's any behavior, no matter how trivial, that steps out of line, it's out."
Are hooligans in tennis?
The public at the top tennis championship on clay in France is well-known for being noisy, fiery - and incredibly French. This sentiment was shared with Belgian David Goffin during his first-round victory over local favorite Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, who was booed and even had a chewing gum spat at him by an audience member. "It's becoming increasingly like football," Goffin grumbled: "Soon there'll be fireworks and hooligans, soon they'll be fighting in the stands. It's just absurd."
Number one player Iga Swiatek voiced her disapproval of the heckling during her second-round matchup with Naomi Osaka directly to the crowd. "I'm not sure that was a wise choice," said the Pole later: "I know the French public can be quite testy." And to add to that. The spectators in the crowd can "single out players they dislike and then castigate them."
Alexander Zverev is fond of the atmosphere at Roland Garros Stadium in general. "I enjoy it when there's a true fighter's atmosphere," said the Olympic gold medalist. This appeal also entices a new and especially youthful audience - which is crucial for all tournaments. With the Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS), where a match is broken down into four quarters, interruptions are authorized at any point, and upbeat music is played over the speakers, there's already a different competition format. Some adjustments should be tried, asserts German professional Jan-Lennard Struff, who also noted, "I'm an avid fan of traditional tennis since it's cool as well."
However, rain is the first issue. And that was a concern in the opening days of the French Open. Rain showers caused many interruptions and delays - and also impacted the players' psyche. For a tour of Paris landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Arch of Triumph, the unfavorable weather was far from enticing, and so Zverev employed his free time for virtual activities: "Mario Kart on the Nintendo Switch, each day, eight hours a day."
Struff, who also had his match thrown off course due to a rain break in the second round, finds shelter from Roland Garros Stadium during lengthy pauses. "I returned home, took a nap," confessed the Warsteiner: "I can't stand being here on the grounds." One must handle interruptions practically, said Struff: "Interruptions are always difficult, but that's just how it is. It doesn't help to become upset."
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The French Open, being a Grand Slam tournament, has been affected by the unpredictable weather in Paris. Even top players like David Goffin have expressed their frustration with the boisterous behavior of some fans, comparing it to football matches. After several incidents, tournament head Amélie Mauresmo has announced stricter measures, including a ban on alcohol in the spectator areas and earlier tournament start times. Meanwhile, some players have adapted to the rain delays in unique ways, such as Jan-Lennard Struff playing Mario Kart on Nintendo Switch during downtime. The weather disruptions, along with the occasional fan misconduct, have made the French Open a challenging experience for both players and fans. International tennis stars like Alexander Zverev, despite enjoying the atmosphere of Roland Garros, have also been affected by the weather, causing delayed matches and interruptions. Fans continue to support their favorites, despite these inconveniences, and the French Open remains a cherished event in the international tennis calendar.
