The atmosphere at the French Open has increasingly drawn criticism for its hostility and rowdy behaviour, sparking concerns over the treatment of players in a sport traditionally esteemed for its decorum. One of the most notable participants to voice this discontent is Belgian player David Goffin, who, after overcoming a challenging five-set match against local favourite Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, lamented the increasingly unruly nature of the crowd. Goffin remarked that the environment is "becoming like football," suggesting that unfettered enthusiasm might give way to more aggressive behaviours akin to those seen in football stadiums.

Roland-Garros has gained notoriety as one of the rowdiest tournaments on the tour, and Goffin’s experience is emblematic of a broader trend. He was subjected to vocal disapproval during and after his match, including reports of spectators spitting chewing gum in his direction. This incident led him to call the crowd's behaviour "totally disrespectful." The issue isn't confined to Goffin; renowned doubles player Arina Rodionova labelled the fans as "especially feral," while even homegrown talent Alizé Cornet has publicly rebuked certain "idiots" in the crowd for their conduct.

The fervour tends to heighten when it comes to matches involving French players, with the home crowd unabashedly biasing their support. Tennis pundit Mats Wilander offered a restrained analysis, indicating that the Parisian crowd allows for a degree of involvement that starkly contrasts with the decorum expected in other major tournaments. This was evident in the clash between American Taylor Fritz and French player Arthur Rinderknech, where Fritz faced a torrent of boos after besting the local star. Following his win, he cheekily called for more noise from the audience, further amplifying the tension.

The widespread disregard for player welfare during matches has come to a head in recent years, particularly during the tumultuous 2023 edition of the tournament. Rivalries have intensified amid polarising geopolitical issues, as seen in the backlash Ukrainian player Marta Kostyuk faced for refusing to shake hands with Belarusian opponent Aryna Sabalenka. Kostyuk, expressing her disappointment, declared that the crowd should be "honestly embarrassed" by their reaction to her principled stance, highlighting the sensitive nature of political allegiances among the players. Similarly, Daria Kasatkina encountered hostility for her respectful gestures towards Kostyuk, further illustrating the complex interplay between sport and broader social issues.

In a bid to address these growing concerns, French Open organisers have introduced measures aimed at curbing disruptive behaviour. The decision to ban alcohol in the stands, implemented for the first time in 2024, came in response to the unruly conduct that has often eclipsed the gameplay itself. Tournament director Amélie Mauresmo acknowledged that while enthusiasm is appreciated, certain behaviours had indeed crossed acceptable boundaries, necessitating stricter regulations.

Nevertheless, altering the deeply entrenched atmosphere of the French Open may require more than policy changes. A growing number of players have expressed their frustration with crowds that refuse to maintain the respectful decorum typically associated with tennis. The experience of Novak Djokovic has served as a benchmark in this regard. He has faced jeering multiple times throughout his career, often compounded by his own on-court tensions with officials and spectators alike.

As the French Open continues, it remains to be seen whether these measures will foster a more respectful environment for players. For now, the echoing boos and jeers are likely to persist, a vivid reminder of the challenges players face against not just their opponents, but also an increasingly unpredictable and hostile crowd.

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Source: Noah Wire Services