From Sebastian Korda to Daniil Medvedev: How the tennis world has reacted after Iga Swiatek's pleading starts French Open debate on crowd behavior, alcohol ban

The 2024 French Open is not even a week old, and many debates have already erupted about everything from acceptable crowd behavior to the allowance of alcohol for fans in the stands. It comes after several complaints of unruly fan behavior from top players like Iga Swiatek and David Goffin.

Goffin of Belgium accused some fans of disrespectful conduct after his first-round win over a local player. He stated that the crowd consistently abused him throughout the match, and someone even spat their gum at him.

Afterwards, two-defending champion Iga Swiatek pleaded with spectators not to "scream" during rallies after her second-round win against Naomi Osaka, saying that their interruptions during points distract players.

In light of these complaints, French Open tournament director Amelie Mauresmo took steps to curb the problem and announced that alcohol consumption would no longer be allowed in the stands. However, it will continue to be sold on French Open grounds.

Iga Swiatek's pleading with the French Open crowd and Amelie Mauresmo's decision drew strong reactions from several top tennis players. Russian star Daniil Medvedev, who has had his fair share of run-ins with spectators, opined that there are two ways to look at the debate about crowd behavior during matches.

One, if there are rules to prevent fans from interrupting players between points and before serves, they should abide by them, as even the slightest distraction could cost a player a point.

"I think it's very tough because there are two ways. So right now in a way, the like the kind of, I would say unofficial rule or actually an official rule, don't interrupt players before second serve and when they're ready to serve and during the point. Personally, I like it because I think I don't know if there are other sports than tennis and golf that have it, but because it's so technical and like I would say, every millimeter of a movement you change, the ball is gonna go different side," Medvedev said in a press conference.

"So, you know, if someone screams in your ear, your serving, you can double fault, that's as easy as that.And that's not good," he added.

On the other hand, if fans are allowed to make noise during points, they should be allowed to do it at every tournament so that players get used to it. Medvedev then pointed out the difference in crowd behaviors at other tournaments and the French Open and stated that he personally prefers fans to be quiet during points.

"At the other side, if there would be no this rule and it would be allowed all the time. I think we would get used to it. Now, what happens is that 95% of matches, tournaments its quiet and then when suddenly you come to Roland Garros and it's not," the Russian said.

"It disturbs you and it's a grand slam. So you get more stress and it's not easy. So, if you ask me, I like it quiet. And again, when, even when the crowd goes crazy, the the player is ready to serve. Quiet, let's serve, let's play," he added.

The former World No. 1 continued:

"There is no in between. It's 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. So, yeah, for the moment it's quiet."

Meanwhile, Grigor Dimitrov had a slightly different take on the issue. The Bulgarian stated that when it comes to crowd movement during the points, he is absolutely against it as it becomes a huge involuntary distraction for a player's focus.

"I think this is as tennis players, we're very particular with certain things. And I would say one is the, the background, for example, it's, let's say if it's too bright or if you have, let's say a big letters, whatever it is, it's a bit more, it's a bit more difficult," Dimitrov told the media.

"Also with the crowd, if you see the crowd moving in the back, it's very, very tough because we are so focused on the ball and when you see something move that is moving automatically your eyes catching that. So on the movement part, I'm, I'm all for being absolutely still," he added.

However, the 33-year-old is more lenient than his peers when it comes to crowd noise. Dimitrov joked that he is neutral on the issue raised by Swiatek as he could even play a match with music on. He further stated that what fans do in the stands is out of control of those playing.

"Now with the sound there is not much, I, I guess we can do. I think either or I'm very happy, I'm very neutral that, to be honest, like I, I, I play with, you know, the music on and all that .Of course, I prefer when everything is like a little bit more tame, so to speak, but it's, this, this is a little bit out of our control," Dimitrov said.

On Amelie Mauresmo's decision to deny alcohol in stands, Sebastian Korda recalled hearing some vile things from inebriated fans at the Australian Open and welcomed any steps to stop fans from being "rowdy."

"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. I've heard some stuff that weren't very nice. Yeah, I don't know. I don't really know how to comment on that. I think they should do whatever they want, but hopefully not get too rowdy out there," Korda said in a press conference.

Daniil Medvedev, Grigor Dimitrov, and Sebastian Korda make it to French Open 2024 3R

Sebastian Korda pictured at the 2024 French Open

Daniil Medvedev, Grigor Dimitrov, and Sebastian Korda are among the first players to punch their ticket in the third round of the 2024 French Open.

Medvedev, the fifth seed, looked on his way to a comfortable win over Miomir Kecmanovic in the second round. However, the Serb was forced to retire mid-way through the second set at 6-1, 5-0. The Russian will now face either No. 31 seed Mariano Navone or Tomas Machac in the third round.

Grigor Dimitrov is yet to drop a set at the 2024 French Open after seeing off promising Hungarian talent Fabian Marozsan 6-0, 6-3, 6-4 in the third round. The Bulgarian previously defeated Aleksander Kovacevic in the first round and will now face Belgian qualifier Zizou Bergs in the third round.

Meanwhile, Sebastian Korda is among the few American men who have survived the initial rounds of the French Open this year. Seeded No. 27, Korda dispatched the challenge of Kwon Soon-woo in the second round with a score of 6-4, 6-4, 1-6, 6-3. The 23-year-old will now face off against third seed Carlos Alcaraz.