French Open to implement stricter measures against inappropriate fan behaviour

NEW DELHI: Amelie Mauresmo, the tournament director of the French Open, announced that stricter measures would be put in place to address inappropriate fan behaviour. This decision came after complaints from defending champion Iga Swiatek and David Goffin about the conduct of some spectators.

"We're happy to see there's an atmosphere, emotions, and that the spectators are there. However, we will be uncompromising with respect to the players and the game," said Mauresmo.

"If there's the slightest behaviour that oversteps the mark, it will be the exit," asserted Mauresmo, acknowledging the difficulty in identifying offenders.


Alcohol consumption will no longer be allowed in the stands, and security agents along with match umpires have been directed to adopt a stricter stance towards disruptive individuals.

David Goffin reported an incident of being spat at by a spectator during his match against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard earlier in the week.

Amelie Mauresmo, a former world number one and two-time Grand Slam champion, stressed a zero-tolerance approach, asserting that anyone caught throwing objects at players would be promptly ejected from the premises.

She emphasized the crucial role of umpires in managing unruly spectators, urging them to firmly enforce the regulations.

"Throwing something at a player, you're out. Expressing yourself during a point is a no-no, we're going to try and limit that as much as possible. The umpires have tighter, even more precise instructions on keeping the audience under control. It's part of the role of the umpire to manage that too."

(Inputs from AFP)