French Open issues drastic rule changes after Iga Swiatek and David Goffin controversies
French Open umpires have been instructed to clamp down on fans calling out during points and general spectator behaviour after controversies involving Iga Swiatek and David Goffin in Paris.
Tournament director Amelie Mauresmo announced the drastic changes in a press conference on Thursday, with fan behaviour under an unwanted spotlight at Roland Garros.
The matter was brought to a head on Wednesday when Iga Swiatek addressed fans calling out during points in her post-match victory speech.
The world No 1 saved a match point and came from 2-5 down in the final set to beat Naomi Osaka, though she was visibly angry during the decider after being distracted by a fan calling out mid point.
On court post-match, she said: “I have huge respect for you guys and I know we’re playing for you but sometimes under a lot of pressure when you scream something during the rally it’s really hard to be focused.
“I usually don’t bring this up because I want to be a player that’s in the zone and focused, but this is serious for us.
Read More: Iga Swiatek fears backlash from French Open fans after passionate appeal
“We’re fighting our whole lives to be better and better. Sometimes it’s hard to accept that. The stakes are big. There’s a lot of money to win. Losing a few points may change a lot.
“Please guys if you can support us between the rallies but not during, that would be great. I hope you’re still going to like me because I know the French crowd might get some players they don’t like and boo.
“But I love you guys and always love playing here, so let’s continue that.”
In an impromptu announcement on Thursday, former world No 1 Mauresmo said officials had been encouraged to stamp down on such behaviour.
And she announced that fans were now banned from drinking alcohol in the stands.
“We’re happy to see that there’s an atmosphere and emotions, which are stronger at Roland Garros than before the covid,” Mauresmo said.
“But there are a few people who cross the line. Yet I want to be uncompromising about respect for the players and the game.
“I’ve given instructions to the umpires that they should be hyper-reactive so that they can control the court, if, for example, there are (shouts) between the first and second serves.
“If there is the slightest out-of-bounds behaviour in the stands, I have instructed the security staff to evacuate the people very clearly, even if they are not always easy to identify.
“Alcohol was allowed until now in the stands.. not in all the stands, that’s over. If anyone exceeds the limit, if anyone doesn’t behave well or if anyone throws things at the players, that’s it, they go out.
“There will inevitably be situations where it’s up to the umpire, neither black nor white. We’re going to keep the expressions during the point to a minimum. The referees will have stricter and earlier instructions about holding the public.”
The Paris crowd booed David Goffin after he knocked out Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in Round 1 at #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/R58Zmzzq1f
— Eurosport (@eurosport) May 29, 2024
Fan behaviour was first under the spotlight when Goffin slammed the crowd who watched his five-set win over home favourite Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
The Belgian attracted boos after cupping his ear in celebration post-match – but claimed in press that someone had spat gum at him during the match on Court 14.
The former top-10 star said: “Clearly, it goes too far, it’s total disrespect. It’s becoming like football. Soon there will be smoke bombs, hooligans and there will be fights in the stands.
“It’s starting to become ridiculous. Some people are there more to cause trouble than to create an atmosphere.”
