"Alcohol is banned before domestic abusers";"Amelie Mauresmo losing it" - Fans react to French Open's 'tragic' ban on alcohol after player complaints

Belgian player David Goffin complained about some fans at the 2024 French Open and alleged that one of them spat on him. As a result, the tournament director Amelie Mauresmo announced that a ban on alcohol consumption in the stands has been placed.

On Tuesday (May 28), Goffin faced Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard on court 14 in the first round of the 2024 French Open. The Belgian got the better of Perricard in five sets 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-7(4) 6-3.

After the win, the 33-year-old was being booed by the French crowd and he cupped his ear in response.

Following this, Goffin talked to Belgian media about his horrendous experience with the crowd. He said that they were disrespectful and it was "becoming like football". The World No. 116 added that one of the fans spat a chewing gum on him.

These complaints were not taken lightly by the tournament organizers as they placed an alcohol ban in the stands. An X account posted about the new directives and fans made their feelings known. Some of them were in favor of the ban.

"Hooligans are responsible for prohibition. It's too apparent when you harass one of the most mild mannered, quiet, respectful guy on the tour," one fan wrote.

"Alcohol is banned before domestic abusers," another posted.

However, some others were against such a rule.

"Oh, come on. A booze ban now in place at the tennis.. It’s not exactly Millwall-esque in the stands at Roland Garros," one fan wrote.

"Definitely understand why it's happening but this is still lowkey tragic, like being blitzed in a french tennis crowd has got to be up there in the ranking of live sporting experiences," another fan wrote.

"Mmauresmo is losing it, already not allowed , and taking the fact up there are literally people with beer backpacks going around everywhere and filling in peoples cups quite contradictory message," a third fan wrote.

One fan was surprised it was Goffin's complaint that led to this. They wrote:

"David Goffin being responsible for prohibition at Roland Garros was not on my tournament bingo card."

Mauresmo also announced that the matches would start earlier than normal on Friday (May 31) due to rain delays caused in the past few days.

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Caroline Garcia urged French Open fans to treat players with respect after David Goffin incident

Caroline Garcia

French women's No. 1 Caroline Garcia was asked about the controversy surrounding Goffin and his incident with a fan at the French Open. She hoped that something like that would never happen again.

"Thank God I never experience it and I hope it will never happen again," she said (via BBC).

Garcia added that some fans go too far in every sport. She hoped that fans cheer on their favorite players with more respect.

Previously, players like Marta Kostyuk and Novak Djokovic have had issues with the fans at the French Open. Moreover, WTA No. 1 Iga Swiatek also respectfully asked the fans to not shout during rallies after her match against Naomi Osaka on Wednesday (May 29).