Briton Dan Evans fears that players’ complaints about the noisy crowd at the French Open could have long-term consequences for the sport.
Belgian David Goffin had accused partisan fans at the French Open of “total disrespect” after his first-round match against Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, while world number one Iga Swiatek urged them not to shout during rallies, especially in high-pressure matches.
It was not the first time that Roland Garros stalwarts have found themselves in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. They are known for arriving late for afternoon matches due to long lunch breaks and sometimes bullying players.
Tournament director Amelie Mauresmo said referees had been asked to be stricter and intervene to ensure players were respected, while security would step in if fans overstepped their boundaries.
Fans expected another disappointment when the organizers announced that they would not be allowed to drink alcohol in the stands after inappropriate behavior was investigated.
But Evans, who played doubles alongside Andy Murray at Roland Garros on Friday, was surprised by the players’ complaints about the crowds.
“I’m surprised at the reaction of some players to the crowd,” said Evans The times. “We have to be careful what we say to the audience and ask them not to drink or get too excited. They’ll start to think, ‘What’s the point?’
“The atmosphere here is one of the best. They are passionate and crazy about it. There are children everywhere who love tennis. Now we tell them to stop.”
“Spectators pay hard-earned money to come here and then some players tell them not to be so loud… so please, this is sport. We want the spectators to join in. Calling them hooligans is just ridiculous.”
Sebastian Korda is not afraid of “violent” spectators
Sebastian Korda also supported Evans’ comments and believes that viewers should be able to do “whatever they want.”
“That they don’t pour alcohol out there? I played on one of their brand new courses in Australia that had a bar next to it,” Korda said. “It wasn’t a nice experience. I heard some things that weren’t very nice.”
“I find [spectators] should do what they want, but hopefully not be too loud out there.”
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