Alcohol can no longer be taken into the stands at the French Open in a bid to stamp out crowd disorder, according to tournament director Amelie Mauresmo.
The decision was taken in the wake of David Goffin having chewing gum spat at him during his clash with home favourite Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, with the Belgian likening the scenes to a football crowd.
Defending champion Iga Swiatek had to implore fans to keep quiet during points and not shout out after her win over Naomi Osaka on Wednesday.
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Swiatek won this match.#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/X7kEaKuJWT
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 29, 2024
A press briefing was scheduled at Roland Garros on Thursday where Mauresmo said: “First of all, we are happy people are very enthusiastic about watching tennis and being part of the matches, showing feeling and emotions.
“But there are definitely steps which shouldn’t go further. A few things have needed to be put in place. Alcohol has been allowed up until now in the stands – but that’s over.”
Alcohol will remain available on the concourses and around the grounds.
Mauresmo said chair umpires will be appointed based upon the potential for unruly behaviour and will be stricter in asking for respect from spectators.
Mauresmo said umpires will have the discretion to decide if behaviour crosses a line, but if fans ‘go too far, they are out.’
“If people want to show emotion that’s great and see how it happens,” she added. “I’m an optimist and I think people will react in a good way. If not we will take more measures.”
Poor weather in Paris this week has also led to the start of play on Friday being brought forward to 10am (9am BST) on Friday in a bid to make up a backlog of second round games.
