David Goffin did not appreciate the “total disrespect” from partisan fans during the First Round of the French Open. His complaint forced officials to ask tennis fans for better behavior during the rest of the tournament.
The former world No. 7 was absolutely furious with how things went down during his win against home player Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
Goffin is currently ranked No. 115. He was on the wrong side of the crowd at Roland Garros. They were obviously rooting for the Frenchman, not him.
If that was not clear through the first five sets, the fans let the victor know that they were against him with an onslaught of loud boos after the victory. Even though the Belgian saw his win soured by the antics of the crowd, it might have added to thrill.
Goffin leaned into the hate by cupping his ear to further rile them up!
😠 The Paris crowd booed David Goffin after he knocked out Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in Round 1 at #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/R58Zmzzq1f
— Eurosport (@eurosport) May 29, 2024
When asked about the post-match behavior, he attributed the antics to pent-up frustration.
When you are insulted for three-and-a-half hours, you have to tease the public a little.
— David Goffin
However, Goffin’s press conference quickly took a turn. The 33-year-old called out the Parisian fans for unruly conduct and expressed his concerns for how they continue to behave.
Clearly, it goes too far, it’s total disrespect. It’s really too much. It’s becoming football, soon there will be smoke bombs, hooligans and there will be fights in the stands.
It’s starting to become ridiculous. Some people are there more to cause trouble than to create an atmosphere.
— David Goffin
One particular allegation was especially troubling.
Someone spat out their chewing gum at me. It [the match] was getting complicated. That’s why I wanted to stay calm. If I started to get angry about it, it could have destabilized me.
— David Goffin
Goffin added that he is not the only player who often finds the French Open crowd to be out of line.
A lot of people are complaining, a lot of umpires feel that there is a lot of disrespect. This is repeated in a lot in the locker room and among ATP authorities. We’re going to have to do something about that.
— David Goffin
Apparently, the behavior is specific to Roland Garros.
I think it only happens in France. At Wimbledon, obviously, there’s not that. Or in Australia either.
And at the U.S. Open, it’s still rather quiet. Here, it’s really an unhealthy atmosphere.
— David Goffin
If a fan truly spat his or her gum at Goffin, that isn’t cool. The French Open asked its fans to get in line with a pretty mundane statement.
The public are incredibly enthusiastic, particularly on the outside courts. However, they must of course show full respect to all players while doing so.
Although it is only natural that fans share their excitement and cheer on their favorites, this may not in any case go against the values of tennis or consideration for the players.
— Roland Garros
Now that this (weak) warning has been issued, it will be curious to see how behavior changes in the coming days and weeks or if French Open officials step in.
Goffin will face Alexander Zverev, the No. 4-seed, in the Second Round on Thursday. Fans already don’t like him from his match against one of their own. Will they continue to hold their grudge?