Featured image credit: Remi Mathis/CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED/Edited for size
French Open tournament director Amelie Mauresmo has revealed that alcohol has been banned in the stands of tournament venues in a bid to clamp down on unruly fan behaviour.
On Tuesday, following his win over France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, Belgian player David Goffin claimed a fan spat chewing gum at him.
Goffin spoke of the “total disrespect” shown by fans, adding that some spectators are more intent on causing trouble than creating an atmosphere. Goffin defeated Mpetshi Perricard in five sets and was booed by the home fans as the match finished.
Yesterday (Wednesday), three-time champion Iga Swiatek urged fans to stay quiet during her match against Naomi Osaka.
Although alcohol will continue to be sold on the concourses and around the grounds, fans will not be able to drink it while sitting in the stands.
“First of all, we are happy people are very enthusiastic about watching tennis and being part of the matches, showing feeling and emotions,” Mauresmo said, according to the BBC. “But there are definitely steps which shouldn’t go further. A few things have needed to be put in place.”
She added: “Alcohol has been allowed up until now in the stands – but that’s over.”
This year’s French Open began at Roland Garros on Sunday and will run until June 9.
Last month, the French Tennis Federation (FFT) presented a new roof at Court Suzanne-Lenglen, one of a number of upgrades at Stade Roland Garros for this year’s event.
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