Respect the game: Iga Swiatek's rallying cry to French Open spectators

Thursday, 30 May 2024 at 10:41

Iga Swiatek came from 5-2 down and a match point saved in the third set to produce an epic comeback win over Naomi Osaka at the 2024 French Open and will reach the third round and keep her title charge alive. But she certainly had some choice words afterwards for the raucous French crowd.

Swiatek risked drawing the ire of those in attendance on Court Philippe-Chatrier by asking them to have respect for players and stop shouting during rallies. She said that they are the ones fighting for their lives on the court and that one little mishap can cost them the match. As well as a lot of money she said in an honest admission.

She did say that she knows that she might get flack for having this opinion but that it is serious. It comes also after David Goffin spoke of having chewing gum spat at him and fears of tennis turning into a sport of hooligans after beating Giovanni Mpetshi Pericard.

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“I have huge respect for you guys and I know we’re playing for you but sometimes under a lot of pressure when you scream something during the rally it’s really hard to be focused. I usually don’t bring this up because I want to be a player that’s in the zone and focused. But this is serious for us," said Swiatek.

"We’re fighting our whole lives to be better and better. Sometimes it’s hard to accept that. The stakes are big. There’s a lot of money to win. Losing a few points may change a lot. Please guys if you can support us between the rallies but not during, that would be great. I hope you’re still gonna like me because I know French crowd might get some players they don’t like and boo. But I love you guys and always love playing here, so let’s continue that.”

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Iga Swiatek asks the French crowd to not scream during the point at Roland Garros: “I have huge respect for you guys and I know we’re playing for you but sometimes under a lot of pressure when you scream something during the rally it’s really hard to be focused. I usually don’t

6:41 PM · May 29, 2024

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