It’s a frenzied French Open.
Tournament organizers banned alcohol in the stands after complaints about the behaviour of fans of athletes, including women’s number one Iga Swiatek. Tournament director Amelie Mauresmo said:a French former world no. 1.
Swiatek, the two-time French Open champion, pleaded with fans to stop screaming mid-match after her comeback three-set victory over Naomi Osaka in the second round on Wednesday.
“I have a lot of respect for you guys. This is entertainment so I know I’m basically playing for you guys and I’m making money because of you guys,” Swiatek said after her 7-6 (7-1), 1-6, 7-5 win over Osaka on Court Philippe Chatrier at the French Open.
“But when you’re under a lot of pressure, yelling something in the middle of a rally or right before a return, it makes it really, really hard to concentrate. I don’t usually bring this up because I want to be the type of player who is really in the zone and really focused.”
Swiatek’s message was met with cheers and applause, as she explained that the stakes were high and it was “serious for us athletes”.
“… We’ve been fighting our whole lives to get better, but sometimes it’s hard to accept because the stakes are high and there’s a lot of money to win,” she said. “So losing a few points can make a big difference. So, guys, if you could just cheer us on in between the rallies, and not during the rallies, that would be really, really awesome.”
Swiatek, who is seeking her fifth Grand Slam title, was seen in tears after her second-round win over Osaka.
The 22-year-old described the match as “intense”, especially as she struggled in the third set.
“The match ended up being pretty bad, but I was able to focus more at the end.” Swiatek said. “in [the] I felt like I wasn’t on my game in the first and second sets. I was able to switch it up when I was feeling the most pressure and maybe that made the difference.”
Reuters
There was also talk on social media about the surprisingly large number of empty seats at a match featuring a current and former world number one, both four-time Grand Slam champions.
Swiatek’s message came after she claimed Belgium’s David Goffin spat chewing gum at her during a match against France’s Giovanni Mpetzi Pélicard on Tuesday.
According to BBC.com, Mauresmo said referees would be more strict in enforcing respect for “the players and the game” and any offenders would be given an on-the-spot warning.
As a result, security measures have been strengthened.
“First of all, we are pleased that people are so eager to watch tennis, to take part in the matches and to express their emotions and emotions,” Mauresmo said. “But there are certainly measures that should not be taken any further. Some measures need to be put in place. Up until now, drinking alcohol in the stands was allowed, but that is no longer the case.”
Alcoholic beverages will continue to be sold on the concourses and grounds of Roland Garros.
Swiatek will play in the third round on Friday against a yet to be determined opponent.
