Iga Svetek’s violent speech after her match win over Naomi Osaka 7:6 (1), 1:6, 7:5 means that the debate about crowd behavior during Roland Garros has moved to the highest levels of tennis. Especially since the Poles are not the only ones angry at what the “fans” are doing this year.
Continued article below the video
David Goffin: “A fan spat on me while chewing gum”
A major scandal occurred on Tuesday during the match between David Goffin and Frenchman Giovanni Mbeche Pericard. The Belgian faced not only his rival, but also the audience that supported him in every possible way. Buzzing and annoying service is not all. After one exchange, Joven was spat on. “A fan spit on me while he was chewing gum,” he said after winning the match in five sets. “This goes beyond all limits.”
Cheers and boos. Thus Goffin bid farewell to the hostile crowd:
“It’s gone further than that. It’s complete disrespect for the players. It’s like a football field. What will happen next? Smoking candles, hooligans? Or maybe a brawl in the stands? I have the impression some people are coming here.” “To create confusion, not atmosphere,” Goffin said.
Interestingly, the players unanimously repeat that the French crowd is the worst in the world, even if the stadiums in the United States are noisier and the fans still move. But you can’t feel such hostility anywhere else in the stands.
It only happens here. We talk about it a lot in the locker room, it’s the main topic. “I hope this also reaches the tennis authorities,” the Belgian tennis player concluded.
What did Iga Svetek say after the match with Naomi Osaka? [WIDEO]
He hit her, and the message was strongly reinforced on Wednesday by Iga Svetek, who was angered by how much fans bothered her and Naomi Osaka during the sparring. “I have great respect for you and I know that we play for you, but sometimes under a lot of pressure, when you shout something during a rally, it is really difficult to concentrate,” the Polish woman began her statement after the match, not caring about it. Individual whistles from the stands.
Iga Świątek’s full statement after the match with Naomi Osaka:
“I usually don’t mention it because I want to focus on my own game. We strive all our lives to be better and better. The stakes are too high. We have a lot to win. Losing a few points can change a lot.” “Please, if you can support us during breaks, but not during the match, that would be great. I hope you still like me, because I understand that French fans are demanding.”
Roland Garros prohibits drinking alcohol in the stands
The reactions are lightning fast. On Thursday morning, the French Tennis Federation called on fans to “show respect to all players.” But words aren’t everything. The tournament director and former world number one, Amelie Mauresmo, took immediate action.
An annoyed Mauresmo told reporters, “It’s time to take decisive steps. We need to arrange some things quickly. Until now, we allowed fans to drink alcohol in the stands. But as of today, that’s over. An absolute ban.” Thursday. It also announced an increase in the number of security guards in stadiums, and called on judges to “act decisively in defense of the players.”
Banning alcohol consumption in the stands is a bold step that no Grand Slam tournament organizer has ever decided to take. Selling all the drinks is an important and profitable part of the entire business. However, as you can see, in this case, the comfort and safety of the players finally came to the fore.
source:Onet Sports Review
Date of creation: 30 Bit 2024 15:47
Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Przegląd Sportowy Onet magazine
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