After a tumultuous opening few days, Roland Garros tournament director Amelie Mauresmo announced a slew of new measures, including a ban on alcohol in the stands. The ruling follows complaints filed in recent days by David Goffin and Iga Swiatek.
Goffin strongly criticized the behavior of the Partizan crowd and said a fan spat gum at him after his five-set victory over France’s Giovanni Mpehi-Pericard on Tuesday. Goffin also pointed out that the behavior of French Open fans has been a common topic among players.
Swiatek was interviewed on the court after her victory over Naomi Osaka on Wednesday, criticizing the crowd at Court Philippe Chatrier for shouting when the score was scored.
Although alcohol was previously prohibited in the presidential box and players’ box but was allowed elsewhere, Mauresmo said there would be a total ban: “So far, alcohol was allowed in the stands, but not in all stands, but that is now over. . Mauresmo said the event has observed a change in crowd behavior since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.
The tournament also recommends that referees and security personnel be stricter against disruptive crowds. “We’re delighted that people are very keen to watch tennis, keen to participate in the game, keen to feel emotions and express emotions. But yes, there are definitely steps that they shouldn’t go further [than],” Mauresmo said.
“so [a] Several things are already in place: First, the referee [are] It will really be stricter and further respect the players and the game. This is something we cannot tolerate and cannot go beyond these two things.
“The referees play a pretty important role in this. Definitely in terms of safety… because there are only a few people who cross the line at some point.
Mauresmo said that under the new rules, those who cross the line will be expelled. Additionally, the tournament is trying to identify and sanction spectators who threw gum at Goffin.
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“If we go over the limit, if we don’t perform well or we throw things at players, that’s it, we’re out. The security – and that’s very clear – gave instructions without hesitation,” she said explain.
In addition to crowd behavior issues, the opening four days of Roland Garros were also marred by rain delays. While the top players at Stade Philippe-Chatrier and Stade Suzanne Lenglen were able to advance without any problems, most other matches scheduled for Wednesday have been postponed until Thursday. Friday’s game will begin at 10am.
