The French Open have banned alcohol. GETTY IMAGES

The French Open enforced a ban on fans drinking alcohol in the stands as a measure to curb inappropriate behavior on Thursday. During her matches, Iga Swiatek was informed by a rival player that "she cannot complain" about noise.

Tournament director Amelie Mauresmo vowed to address complaints from Swiatek, the defending women's champion, and David Goffin by taking action against troublemakers. "We're happy to see there's an atmosphere, emotions and that the spectators are there," said Mauresmo.

"However, we will be uncompromising with respect to the players and the game. If there's the slightest behaviour that oversteps the mark, it will be the exit," she asserted. During her on-court interview on Wednesday, Swiatek reprimanded spectators for causing disturbance during critical points of her tense second-round victory against Naomi Osaka.

However, Paula Badosa, who is set to encounter second seed Aryna Sabalenka in round three, humorously hinted that Swiatek has an advantage, being the world number one and a four-time Grand Slam winner. Swiatek has exclusively competed on Philippe Chatrier or Suzanne Lenglen courts since her second-round match in the 2021 French Open.

"I think she cannot complain, because I played Court 8 and 9 and you can hear everything," said Badosa. "Like, I can hear Suzanne Lenglen, Philippe Chatrier, Court 6, 7 during the points. I think she's very lucky she can play all the time on Philippe Chatrier and she's okay with that. But I don't mind. As I said, I played in small courts these days, and I was hearing so much noise. In that moment, I'm just so focused on myself and on my match that it doesn't really bother me."


Tennis star Iga Swiatek complained about the noise at the French Open. GETTY IMAGES
Tennis star Iga Swiatek complained about the noise at the French Open. GETTY IMAGES


Novak Djokovic expressed frustration with a fan who shouted out during the first set of his win on Thursday against Roberto Carballes Baena. "It's part of what we do, you know. It's part of sports. We are different from football or basketball, but at the same time you kind of want a good atmosphere, right, as a player," said Djokovic.

"It's a fine line when that line is passed, I guess, and when it starts becoming disrespectful towards the player. So I support a player standing up against people who are disrespecting and heckling him. It's not always possible to tolerate."

Daniil Medvedev empathised with Swiatek's frustration regarding crowd distractions during crucial moments, emphasising the narrow margins between victory and defeat. "If someone screams in your ear, your serve, you could double fault. That's as easy as that. That's not good," said Medvedev.

"Now what happens is that 95% of matches, tournaments, it's quiet. And then when suddenly you come to Roland Garros and it's not, it disturbs you, and it's a Grand Slam so you get more stress and it's not easy. It either should be quiet or super loud but all the time, and then we would get used to it, I would get used to it also, and we would not actually complain about it."


Novak Djokovic has also expressed his concerns with the crowd at Roland Garros. GETTY IMAGES
Novak Djokovic has also expressed his concerns with the crowd at Roland Garros. GETTY IMAGES


Goffin, who alleged that a spectator spat at him during his victory against French player Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the opening round on Tuesday, stated that he had received ample support from fellow players.

"I don't know how many people and how many players came to me and were on my side," said Goffin. "I was surprised that everybody was, like, 'Okay, what you said is great, what you said to the press is great, I agree.' So everybody is behind me, so I'm really surprised.

Sebastian Korda, who is set to face Carlos Alcaraz in the last 32, encourages fans to have a good time, but within reasonable limits. "I've played in Australia on one of their brand-new courts that has a bar right next to it. It wasn't a fun experience," he said.

"I think they should do whatever they want, but hopefully not get too rowdy out there."