Tennis Games in Paris - Stricter measures against disruptive individuals at the French Open.
Amélie Mauresmo, the tournament director, has announced a harsher stance towards disruptions at the French Open after receiving complaints from players. During a press conference, the former world-class player mentioned this while also disclosing the first outcomes.
She commanded the umpires to be more vigilant in dealing with this matter and remove fans for any misbehavior. If there's even the slightest misconduct that crosses the line, they're out, Mauresmo asserted. As a result, alcohol will no longer be permitted on the tribunes from now on.
Players' reactions
The world number one, Iga Świątek, directly spoke to the predominantly French crowd on Court Philippe Chatrier following her second-round match against Naomi Osaka and vocally criticized the heckling. "It's extremely challenging to concentrate on your game when you hear something while changing your shots or before returning the ball," Świątek shared in an interview on the court. "Especially when it's loud."
Belgian David Goffin, who lost to Alexander Zverev in the second round, went on to reveal that he had been spat on by a fan with a piece of chewing gum. "It's turning into football. Eventually, there'll be fireworks and hooligans and people fighting on the stands," Goffin lamented. "There are some individuals who simply want to create trouble instead of supporting the players."
Kerber shares similar experiences
Even three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber wasn't immune to such incidents. While losing to Arantxa Rus in her first game, the Kiel native was disrupted by a shout when she had a set point. "It's crucial for us," Świątek said. She hoped "you still like me," Świątek told the fans, acknowledging how some French fans target players they dislike and then take it out on them. "But I adore you and bask in playing here," Świątek added, prompting most applause for these statements.
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Amélie Mauresmo's strict measures against disruptions at the French Open have gained international attention, impacting tennis events around the globe. The new policies, including banning alcohol on the tribunes, were initiated following complaints from players like Iga Świątek and David Goffin. Goffin, who encountered a fan spitting chewing gum at him, expressed concerns about the rising incidents of misconduct among fans. This season at the French Open, fans should expect a more committed focus on maintaining order and supporting their favorite players, as asserted by Mauresmo.
