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World number one and defending French Open champion Iga Swiatek criticized fans for making noise during a point after winning a hard-fought three-set match against fellow four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.
Swiatek saved a match point to deny a spirited Osaka the biggest win of her comeback, after the 22-year-old fought back from behind in the deciding set to win in a thrilling 7-6, 1-6, 7-5 victory.
The match quickly became a classic, but during a post-match on-court interview with former world number two Alex Corretja, Swiatek mentioned a shot she missed early in the third set when a spectator screamed as she attempted a drive volley.
Swiatek was met with no words before saying: “I’m sorry for bringing this up. I have a lot of respect for you guys and I know we’re playing for you guys. This is entertainment and we make money because of you guys.”
“But when there’s a lot of pressure, like in the middle of a rally or right before a return and someone yells something, it makes it really hard to concentrate. I don’t usually bring it up because I want to be the type of player who can get in the zone and really concentrate.”
“This is a serious issue for us. We’ve been fighting all our lives to get better and sometimes it’s hard to accept. The stakes are high. There’s a lot of money to win. A few points can make a big difference.”
“So, guys, I really hope you all cheer me on between the rallies, not during them. I hope you all like me, because the French crowd might boo players they don’t like. I love you guys. I love playing here. Let’s keep doing that.”
Swiatek only mentioned crowd noise during a point, but the world number one’s comments came after renewed attention was given to fan behaviour at the French Open.
Belgian player David Goffin on Tuesday accused the crowd of “total disrespect” during his French Open opening match win over local favourite Giovanni Mpetzi Pericard, claiming he was “spit on” by a fan.
Goffin, a former world number seven, beat his French opponent in a marathon five-set match in a raucous atmosphere on Court 14 on Tuesday.
Wild card Mpetsi Pericaud, 20, received the full support of the home crowd, but Goffin said the fans “went too far.” The 33-year-old was booed as he walked off the court after his win, hands over his ears.
“When you are insulted for three, three and a half hours, you have to make a little fun of your people,” Goffin told Belgian media. “Obviously, it’s gone too far, it’s a total disrespect.”
“It’s really gone too far. It’s becoming football. Soon there will be smoke bombs, hooligans and fights in the stands. It’s starting to get ridiculous. People are coming to cause trouble rather than to create an atmosphere.”
“Someone spat chewing gum at me. The match was getting complicated, so I tried to stay calm. If I started to get angry, I could have become upset.”
Goffin said the atmosphere at Roland Garros was completely different to other Grand Slam tournaments and urged tournament organisers to take measures.
“A lot of people are complaining and a lot of umpires feel disrespected,” Goffin continued. “It’s happening all the time in locker rooms and among the ATP. We’re going to have to do something about it.”
“I think it only happens in France. At Wimbledon, of course, it doesn’t happen. It’s the same in Australia. At the US Open, it’s still pretty quiet. It’s a really unhealthy atmosphere here.”