Fans at the 2024 French Open will no longer be able to partake in adult beverages after tournament director Amelie Mauresmo announced that alcohol has been banned at Roland Garros.
The decision comes following multiple player complaints about fan behavior, including Belgian David Goffin, who said that a spectator spat their gum at him on Tuesday.
Fans will still be able to drink alcohol in some parts of the venue, but not while in the stands.
Goffin played Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard on Tuesday and the spectator who spat at the victor was apparently upset in the hometown competitor’s defeat.
“Clearly, it goes too far, it’s total disrespect,” Goffin said. “It’s becoming
like football. Soon there will be smoke bombs, hooligans and there will be
fights in the stands. It’s
starting to become ridiculous. Some people are there more to cause trouble than
to create an atmosphere.”
On Wednesday, world No. 1 and three-time champion Iga Swiatek also complained about fan behavior after her dramatic three-set win over four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.
According to a report by Charlie Eccleshare of The Athletic, the French Tennis Federation (FFT) called on fans to show “full respect to all players” after Goffin’s complaints.
