David Goffin has slammed the crowd at The French Open. The fans’ shameful actions left him utterly disgusted in his first-round match-up. Goffin faced local favorite Mpetshi Perricard. There were even allegations about a member of the crowd spitting on the Belgian. The crowds have the French Open have been notoriously raucous when a French player needs backing. The usually jovial and spirited fans transform into hooligans. The discomfort created for the opposition player is greater than in any other Grand Slam. Goffin was the subject of their chagrin on a warm Tuesday afternoon.
Goffin Beats Local Boy Perricard
The Belgian weathered the storm to beat Perricard 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-7(4) 6-3. After the audience insulted him for hours during the game, Goffin cupped his ears in response. He told Belgian media, “When you’re insulted for that long, you can’t help but tease the public a little, It goes too far, it’s total disrespect. Goffin accused some fans of causing trouble on purpose. He also said that tennis arenas will slowly transform into soccer stadiums if such behavior persists. Smoke bombs, flares, and fights in the stands will become all too common if actions like these go without consequence.
Goffin Urges Officials
Goffin has urged the organizers to take strict actions. The Umpires share Goffin’s sentiments. The French crowd was particularly vindictive last year when Taylor Fritz was playing. No other grand slam has such a hostile and volatile atmosphere as Roland Garros. The authorities must deal with this issue immediately. Fans who spit on a player during a game should be banned immediately. Tennis arenas have long remained bastions of sportsman spirit, leaving rowdy crowds and shameful behavior untouched. In the game of Tennis, respect and decency are upheld as pillars and must not be compromised.
