Dan Evans refutes player complaints over noisy Roland Garros spectators

ATP
Saturday, 01 June 2024 at 23:30
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Dan Evans criticized players for their "laughable" complaints about the noise from fans at Roland Garros. The former world No. 21 said he was surprised by the complaints from some tennis players and highlighted the atmosphere at the French Open.

The Briton did not have a great run this year in Paris. He lost in the first round to the 13th seed Holger Rune in straight sets, and in doubles, he paired with Andy Murray, aiming for the Olympics, but they lost in two tight tie-breaks to the South American duo Sebastian Baez and Thiago Seyboth Wild.

Evans defends fans' behaviour at Roland Garros

The controversy began at the French Open after the former world No. 7 David Goffin accused the crowd of constant disrespect with noise interruptions during points and his serves. Goffin faced local player Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the first round and won in five sets. The Belgian even mentioned that a fan spat chewing gum at him.

Recently, Iga Swiatek deviated from the usual script in her on-court interview, asking fans not to interrupt during points. The Pole had just won an epic match against the 4-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka and urged them not to shout during rallies.

Tournament director Amelie Mauresmo asked the referees and supervisors to be stricter to ensure the respect and safety of the players and announced that alcohol would no longer be allowed in the stands after fan behavior received criticism.

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Daniel Evans at 2022 Nottingham Open

Evans recently told The Times about his participation in the French Open and commented on players complaining about the crowd: "I'm surprised at the reaction of some players to the crowd," Evans told The Times. "We have to be careful what we are saying about the spectators and asking them not to drink or get too excited. They will start thinking, 'What's the point?'

"The atmosphere here is one of the best. They are passionate and go crazy for this. There are kids everywhere loving tennis. Now we are telling them to stop,” Dan Evans added. "The spectators pay hard-earned money to come here, and for some players to tell them to stop being so loud... come on, this is sport. We want the crowd to be into it. To call them hooligans is just laughable."

American Sebastian Korda also agreed with Evans. The 23-year-old player faced a local player in his debut, winning against Harold Mayot in straight sets. Despite having the crowd against him in that match, Korda commented that he hopes spectators can do what they want: "That they're not smashing booze out there? I've played in Australia on one of their brand-new courts that has a bar right next to it," Korda said.

"It wasn't a fun experience. I've heard some stuff that weren't very nice,” he added. "I think [spectators] should do whatever they want, but hopefully not get too rowdy out there."

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