In a dramatic turn of events, the French Open has thrown a curveball at the party vibe by prohibiting alcohol consumption in the stands. Tournament director, Amelie Mauresmo, made the bold decision in an effort to quell rowdy behavior among fans, sparked by an incident where a player was targeted with chewed gum during a match.
Mauresmo cited the need to rein in certain behaviors as the motive behind the alcohol ban. However, alcohol will still be available on concourses and around the grounds, softening the blow for some fans.
In a double-whammy move, Mauresmo also revealed that chair umpires will adopt a no-nonsense approach to enforcing respect for players and the game. Security measures have been amped up, with potential troublemakers being identified and warned in an attempt to soothe the crowd.
While the restrictions may cast a shadow, Mauresmo remains optimistic, hoping that fans will still be able to channel their emotions in a positive light. Nevertheless, she made it clear that further transgressions won’t be tolerated, hinting at even stricter measures if necessary.
Adding to the suspense, Mauresmo announced a change in the start time for matches at Roland Garros, pushing it forward to 10 am after a week of rainfall resulted in only nine players advancing to the third-round draw. With more rain on the horizon, the completion of all 128 singles second-round matches seemed uncertain by day’s end.
This unexpected twist at the French Open is bound to stir things up at Roland Garros. The reaction of fans to the alcohol ban and heightened security measures remains to be seen. With the tournament in full bloom, all eyes will be on the players and the fans as they navigate these new changes.
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