Tournament director Amélie Mauresmo has reaffirmed that the alcohol ban at Roland Garros remains in effect and issued a firm warning that security will not hesitate to eject anyone who causes disturbances during the event.
This comes a year after David Goffin made headlines with serious claims following his first-round victory over French player Giovanni Mpetshi-Perricard at the French Open.
Goffin accused the home crowd of verbally abusing him for over three hours and said a drunken spectator even spat chewing gum at him.
In response, tournament organizers swiftly implemented a ban on alcohol consumption in the stands during matches.
While fans are still allowed to purchase drinks elsewhere on the grounds, they are not permitted to bring them into the seating areas once play begins.
With this year’s tournament set to kick off on Sunday, Mauresmo confirmed that the policy remains unchanged.
Mauresmo: The alcohol consumption in stands will be fully renewed
“It will be fully renewed this year. You can obviously consume in the aisles. But once you’re on a court, that’s it. And if we notice any incidents, we don’t hesitate to evacuate spectators. I also think that the post-Covid period has given people the desire to express themselves differently and more fully, to let go. And not just at sporting events,” Mauresmo told Ouest-France.
After his outspoken remarks led to the implementation of the alcohol ban at the French Open, reporters were eager to hear David Goffin’s thoughts on the decision.
The former world No. 7 expressed his full support, even saying he’d like to see the policy continue into 2025.
“OK, it was fine this year. Maybe [fans think] we go for it for more next year and then the year after is even more. You never know if they’re going to come with firecrackers,” the Belgian said at Roland Garros.
However, Goffin won’t be competing at Roland Garros this year, as he’s currently sidelined with an injury.
