Iga Swiatek told she is ‘very lucky’ and ‘cannot complain’ about French Open fans by rival
World No 1 Iga Swiatek has basically been told to “suck it up” and “get on with the job” by fellow player Paula Badosa following the Pole’s complaints about crowd behaviour at the French Open.
Defending champion Swiatek called out rowdy spectators at Philippe Chatrier on Wednesday after one fan shouted just as she was about to hit a shot during her match against Naomi Osaka. Although the four-time Grand Slam winner lost that point, she went on to defeat Osaka in three sets having saved a match point.
After the match she addressed the crowd and asked them not to interrupt players during points.
“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,” she said.
“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.
“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.”
READ MORE: 10 women to win a Grand Slam in 21st century after saving match point: Will Iga Swiatek join list after Naomi Osaka epic?
Swiatek hasn’t been the only one who has had problems with fans as David Goffin was booed during his match against Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard with the Belgian also claiming he was spat on.
Former world No 2 Badosa, though, feels it is part of the game and those who play on outside courts have it worse than the high-profile stars who feature on the show courts.
“I think she cannot complain, because I played Court 8 and 9 and you can hear everything,” the Spaniard said. “Like, I can hear Suzanne Lenglen, Philippe Chatrier, Court 6, 7 during the points. I think she’s very lucky she can play all the time on Philippe Chatrier and she’s okay with that.
“But I don’t mind. As I said, I played in small courts these days, and I was hearing so much noise. In that moment, I’m just so focused on myself and on my match that it doesn’t really bother me.
“Honestly, I like it when the fans cheer and all this. I think I get pumped.
“Look, we had a very tough situation years ago when we were playing without fans with the COVID-19 situation, so now, for me, I’m so happy they’re back and I think they’re very important for our sport.”
