It’s the French Open gone wild.
Tournament organizers have banned alcohol from the stands after complaints about fan behavior from players, including women’s No. 1 Iga Swiatek, said tournament director Amelie Mauresmo, a French former world No. 1.
Swiatek — the two-time defending champion at the French Open — pleaded with fans to stop yelling out mid-point after her epic three-set comeback win over Naomi Osaka in the second round on Wednesday.
“I have huge respect for you guys and I know that we are playing basically for you because this is entertainment and we are also earning money because of you,” Swiatek said after a 7-6 (7-1), 1-6, 7-5 victory over Osaka on Court Philippe Chatrier at Roland Garros.
“But sometimes under a lot of pressure, when you scream something during the rally or right before the return, it’s really, really hard to be focused. I usually don’t bring this up because I want to be this kind of player that is really in the zone and really focused.”
Swiatek, whose message was greeted with cheers and applause, explained the stakes are high and “it’s serious for us” athletes.
“… We’re fighting our whole lives to be better and better and sometimes it’s just hard to accept that because the stakes are big and there’s a lot of money here to win,” she said. “So losing a few points may change a lot. Please, guys, if you can support us between the rallies, but not during, that would be really, really amazing.”
Swiatek, vying for her fifth grand slam title, was seen crying in an emotional moment after her second-round win over Osaka.
The 22-year-old described the match as “intense,” especially when she struggled in the third set.
“I actually managed to be more focused at the end of the match which went pretty badly,” Swiatek said. “In [the] first and second sets, I felt like I wasn’t completely in the zone. When I was under the biggest pressure I was able to switch that and maybe that made the difference.”
There was also chatter on social media regarding the surprising amount of empty seats at the match between the current world No. 1 and former No. 1, both four-time grand slam winners.
Swiatek’s message came after Belgium’s David Goffin said he had chewing gum spat at him during a match against France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard on Tuesday.
Chair umpires will be stricter in asking for respect “to the players and to the game,” Mauresmo said, per BBC.com, and offenders will be warned on-site.
Increased security measures have been implemented as a result.
“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. “But there are definitely steps which shouldn’t go further. A few things have needed to be put in place. Alcohol has been allowed up until now in the stands – but that’s over.”
Alcohol will still be available on the concourses and around the grounds at Roland Garros.
Swiatek will play in the third round Friday. Her opponent has not yet been determined.
