Belgium’s David Goffin celebrates after winning his men’s singles match against France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard on day three of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros Complex in Paris on May 28, 2024.
| Photo Credit: AFP
Belgium’s David Goffin claimed he was spat at by a French Open spectator and warned that tennis is in danger of descending into the grip of “hooligans”.
Goffin said a fan spat chewing gum at him as he defeated French player Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-7 (4/7), 6-3 on a raucous Court 14 at Roland Garros.
When the Belgian left the arena, he cupped his ear to all four sides to counter the jeers.
“When you are insulted for three and a half hours, you have to annoy the public a little,” Goffin said.
“Clearly, it goes too far, it’s total disrespect. It’s becoming like football, soon there will be smoke bombs, hooligans and there will be fights in the stands.
“It’s ridiculous. Some are there more to make a scene than to set the mood.”
The 33-year-old added after the match late Tuesday: “Today, someone spat out their chewing gum at me.”
French women’s number one Caroline Garcia said she “feels sorry” for Goffin.
“Thank God I never experience it, and I hope it will never happen again,” said Garcia after being knocked out of the tournament by Sofia Kenin on Wednesday.
“In every sport sometimes there are fans who go too far. We are all here to play tennis and we are all here to watch and enjoy tennis. Even if we have our favourite player we want to cheer with respect.”
On Wednesday, tournament officials reminded spectators of the need to behave.
“The crowd brings an incredible fervour,” they said in a statement.
“But it is obvious that this must be done with respect for all the players. While it is normal for fans to come and share their enthusiasm and cheer on their favourites, this should in no way compromise the values of tennis and consideration for the players.”
At last year’s French Open, fans were branded as “embarrassing” and even “feral” especially when attempting to push a home player over the line.
On the opening day, Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk was booed for refusing to shake hands with Belarusian opponent Aryna Sabalenka in protest over the ongoing war in her country.
“I want to see people react to it in 10 years when the war is over. I think they will not feel really nice about what they did,” said Kostyuk.
“People should be embarrassed.”
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