Latest news with #DavidGoffin
Daily Mail
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Why the French Open has the most hostile atmosphere in tennis: 'Totally disrespectful' and 'feral' fans, ear-splitting boos, and one player SPAT ON by someone in the crowd
Coming off court after an draining five-set, three-and-a-half-hour slog in the first-round of last year's French Open, David Goffin had enough energy for one last attack. 'It's becoming like football, soon there will be smoke bombs, hooligans, and there will be fights in the stands,' Goffin told the media. To the casual ear, it would be hard to believe the Belgian player was talking about a tennis match. But Goffin had the misfortune to have been drawn against a Frenchman, big-serving 20-year-old prospect Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, and the double misfortune to have beaten him. Doing so had come against the backdrop of a chorus of boos, jeers, and singing of the French national anthem. Even winning failed to silence the crowd, with Goffin even accusing one spectator of spitting their chewing gum at him as the curdled atmosphere spilled over onto the court. At Roland-Garros however, this is no one-off event; instead, the tournament has earned the dubious distinction of being the rowdiest, and possibly most unpleasant stop on the tour. Goffin dubbed the crowd 'totally disrespectful'. Doubles star Arina Rodionova described them as 'especially feral'. Even a French player, Alize Cornet, called out 'a handful of idiots' after she was booed for retiring through injury in 2022. It's clear that over the next two weeks, no one is safe. There are few players who are unaware of the reputation that the tournament's fans bring with them. Former champion Mats Wilander, now a pundit for TNT Sport, put it most politely when he said in 2023 that the crowd was 'a bit more involved here than if you play a Brit at Wimbledon, or an American at the US Open, or an Aussie at the Australian'. Of the few certainties you can cling to in Paris, one is fervent home support. Woe betide a player drawn against a home favourite, and worse still if they're anywhere close to winning the match. Taylor Fritz represents the most extreme example of a player that has wrestled with partisan home support - and still carries the legacy of the fracas with him when he steps onto court in Paris today. Drawn against Arthur Rinderknech, the American number one had the unpleasant fate of despatching the last Frenchman in the bracket, doing so under a hail of unprompted boos and whistles, and a round of 'La Marseillaise' to further rouse their compatriot. Fritz had lost the first set but found his level - much higher than Rinderknech's - thereafter, and on the last point, finally responded to his critics by placing his finger over his mouth in a 'shush' gesture. That turned the volume to 11. Rather an hurrying off court, Fritz stood open-stanced in the centre of the court and yelled: 'Come on! I want to hear it'. The boos and jeers were so loud during his post-match on-court interview with Marion Bartoli, the former player kept on pausing to ensure she could be heard. But this was put to the test by her interviewee, who let off another round of 'sshs' even as the stadium announcer begged the crowd to quieten down. Si Rinderknech bat Hurkacz à Genève on pourrait avoir un 🇺🇸 Fritz ⚡️ Rinderknech 🇫🇷 Quel souvenir de Taylor vs le public Roland Garros 2023 — TennisTemple (@tennistemple) May 21, 2025 'I came out and the crowd was so great, honestly,' Fritz said, sarcastically and barely audibly. 'Like, the crowd was just so great. 'They cheered so well for me, I wanted to make sure that I won. Thanks, guys.' Daniil Medvedev struggled similarly with the crowd that year and went as far as telling that to 'shut up' as he toiled against 172nd-ranked Thiago Seyboth Wild during an unusual testing five-set first-round upset. The Russian star shushed the crowd as they provided a soundtrack to his conversation with the umpire over a wide ball mark, in an echo of his stand-off with fans at the 2019 US Open. Later on that year, Medvedev would raise his middle finger to the French crowd at the Paris Masters - but he managed to show admirable restraint in May. Discussions with umpires, or any resistance to the natural rhythms of a match are often touch paper for fan revolt, with Novak Djokovic falling foul of this a number of times over the course of his career. Never the most coolheaded of players, the Serbian serial champion was heckled in 2023 after loudly criticising the court supervisor for the slipperiness of clay underfoot. That Djokovic was dusting himself off after taking an almighty tumble was irrelevant. Djokovic was also called up a year later after he took understandable objection to being heckled by a supporter in the crowd. Once booed at a tournament, jeers can follow a player from match to match, with Djokovic admitting that it's 'never easy' stepping out in the French capital. Players will instead try and make overtures to the spectators during their media appearances. Coco Gauff has spoken often about how much she enjoys the crowd, and Cam Norrie has previously called upon French fans to 'support him' after he knocked out their countryman Lucas Pouille two years ago. But while the crowd can often be found firmly on the side of the establishment, two instances in 2023 showed how the crowd are unafraid of setting their own standards they feel players must adhere to. Ukrainian player Marta Kostyuk and Russian-born Daria Kasatkina both fell victim to a hostile crowd after opting not to shake hands after their matches with Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka and Kostyuk's compatriot Elina Svitolina respectively. Ukrainian stars had been refusing to shake hands with their Russian and Belarusian peers since the start of Russian aggression in their country in February 2022. Most players, like Kasatkina, who has been vocal about her support for Ukraine and peace in the region, have respected this and not sought the customary handshake. But in both instances, the crowd cared not a jot for the gesture, directing their ire at the players after assuming they had instigated the frosty end to the match. Kasatkina voiced her distress that the crowd had not recognised her gesture on social media, saying that she had left the tournament with a 'very bitter feeling'. Kostyuk gave a highly charged press conference after her match insisting that those who booed should be 'honestly embarrassed'. But there is unlikely to be any shame felt by a crowd committed to controlling the tempo of the atmosphere. That many of these incidents have taken place in recent years is likely no coincidence, with Mail Sport reporting in 2023 that post-Covid there seemed to be greater societal freedom for fans to express their opinions, not matter how how ugly or distracting for the players they can be. It still lingers. Instead of expecting the supporters to calm down, the French Open organisers banned alcohol in the stands in 2024, extending it through this year in a bid to limit bad behaviour. Whether it will spark a shift in the perception of French Open fans long-term remains to be seen. For now, the boos continue to ring round the grounds.
Free Malaysia Today
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Free Malaysia Today
It's all French to me, says Fearnley after noisy French Open debut win
Fans cheer on Stan Wawrinka courtside during his first round match against Jacob Fearnley at Roland Garros in Paris. (EPA Images pic) PARIS : Jacob Fearnley kept his cool amid a noisy French Open first round victory over former champion Stan Wawrinka on Monday with the local crowd vocally supporting the Swiss. The 23-year-old Scot, making his debut in Paris, said he was not bothered when fans shouted at him during his straight sets victory because he could not understand what they were saying. 'A lot of it was in French,' Fearnley, ranked 55th in the world, told a press conference. 'There were a lot of guys that were talking to me. 'I knew that they were supporting Stan. Honestly, it was mostly in French. They could have been saying nice things, but I doubt it.' Last year Belgian David Goffin accused partisan fans of 'total disrespect', saying he had been spat on in his first round match against local favourite Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. Fearnley could next face France's Ugo Humbert, who enjoyed loud support, including chants, by the home crowd in his clash with Australia's Christopher O'Connell. 'That would be cool (playing Humbert),' said Fearnley, who was speaking before Humbert's match finished. 'Honestly, I enjoy the environment. As long as they keep speaking French, I don't understand what they're saying. That helps, as well.' Witness football history in Malaysia as Manchester United take on the Asean All-Stars – it's the clash you can't afford to miss. Book your seat now at before they're gone!
Telegraph
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
French Open fans have become the most rowdy in tennis, and players do not like it
We can expect several of the world's finest tennis players to see red over the next few days – and not only because that is the colour of the Parisian clay. In recent seasons, the French Open has become arguably the most testing event on the circuit. On top of the physical and technical demands of best-of-five-set tennis, you have to deal with the spikiest fans in the game. Last year, the issue came to prominence after Belgian veteran David Goffin endured what he described as three-and-a-half hours of insults, culminating in a fan spitting chewing gum at him at the conclusion of his five-set victory over home favourite Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. 'It's becoming football,' said Goffin after that match. 'Soon there will be smoke bombs, hooligans and fights in the stands. Some people are there more to cause trouble than to create an atmosphere.' 😠 The Paris crowd booed David Goffin after he knocked out Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in Round 1 at #RolandGarros — Cycling on TNT Sports (@cyclingontnt) May 29, 2024 Goffin's complaints did not go unheeded. Tournament director Amelie Mauresmo responded by instituting an unprecedented 'booze ban', in which spectators are allowed to drink in the concourses but cannot take alcohol onto the court. These measures have now been extended into 2025 as well, so it will be interesting to see how well they work. The early rounds of Roland Garros are often the most tempestuous, because of the preponderance of home hopes. No fewer than 27 French players are involved in the singles draws that start on Sunday, although – like Brits at Wimbledon – they tend to be winnowed out quickly once play begins. The involvement of a Frenchman or woman is usually what sends the Parisian crowds off the deep end. The former British No3 Liam Broady described the experience in colourful terms during an interview with TalkSport last year. 'I've had all sorts there, personal abuse,' said Broady. 'Last year in qualifying I had to ask for a group of people to get removed. I think it's been happening for a few years now and the umpires don't seem to be able to do anything. 'I do get the feeling at the French Open that a few guys go for a drink with their mates and see which players you can rattle. A lot of people don't actually go to watch the sport.' Players like Broady and Goffin would contend that they do not mind what is usually known as a 'Davis Cup atmosphere' – in reference to tennis's international team event – in which the crowd is noisy and partisan. It is the personal element which pushes this behaviour over the edge. Such distinctions are difficult for umpires to make, in the absence of any obvious way to measure rowdiness. But it is interesting that French fans are emerging as the most likely offenders. Even at the Australian Open – which takes place in Melbourne, a city without a large French-speaking community – there have been a couple of incidents in recent years. In January, the chanting that supported France's Arthur Cazaux against Great Britain's Jacob Fearnley grew so loud that the players on the next-door court asked to be moved further away. Twas not ever thus. 'When I played Frenchmen at Roland Garros, the crowd were lairy – but in a good way,' recalls Tim Henman, who reached the semi-finals here in 2004. 'It was a fun, lively atmosphere. I think now there are times when their behaviour is questionable.' As for Sue Barker, who became the last British player to land a title here when she beat Renata Tomanova in the 1976 final, she remembers the fans being gloriously well behaved. But then, as she points out, 'That was the way the world was then. It's all different now!' This may all be part of an unfortunate post-Covid trend. We hear of people being determined to go out and enjoy themselves in any way they deem appropriate, even if that means disrupting theatre performances by singing along or interrupting the actors. In tennis, the players have become so exasperated that they are beginning to return fire. The day after the chewing-gum incident, serial Roland Garros champion Iga Swiatek interrupted her own on-court interview to scold the crowd on Court Philippe Chatrier. 'When you scream something during the rally or right before the return,' she tutted, 'it's really, really hard to be focused.' Iga Świątek appeals to the French crowd, asking them to respect players focus by not making noise during the rallies. Her ask was met with supportive applause. #RolandGarros — TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 29, 2024 Swiatek may perhaps have been influenced by Goffin's stand, which proved popular within the locker-room. After falling in the second round, Goffin explained that he had lost count of the number of players who had thanked him for taking a stand. Not everyone agrees with the principle of the on-court booze ban. Mark Petchey, the experienced broadcaster and former British No 1 who is now coaching Emma Raducanu, queried Mauresmo's decision on social media during last year's French Open. 'Tennis wanting to get younger people watching,' wrote Petchey. 'Tennis also spending most of its time telling crowds to quieten down, don't make a sound in rally, don't pick a side too vigorously, don't drink in your seat but you should also be in that seat continuously from 11am to 7pm.' Yet there appears to have been no effect on ticket sales. Qualifying this week has been packed, and the roars that encouraged France's Titouan Droguet on Friday evening must have been audible far into the greenery of the neighbouring Bois de Boulogne. The next few days will give a sense of how the Mauresmo rule affects fan behaviour, particularly during the all-action intensity of the opening round. There are suspicions that the rules were not enforced with any great diligence last year, when punters could be seen with a beer in each hand while sitting on the outside courts. As for the larger stadia, the authorities may be keeping an eye on the possible early clash between Novak Djokovic – the three-time champion who has described the Roland Garros crowd as 'not easy' – and Corentin Moutet, the tricky French left-hander and undisputed master of s---housery. If that second-round meeting should come to pass, they might have to call in the army.
USA Today
24-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Mutua Madrid Open Betting Odds and Match Previews for April 24, 2025, Men's Singles
Mutua Madrid Open Betting Odds and Match Previews for April 24, 2025, Men's Singles As part of today's Mutua Madrid Open round of 128 (16 matches), No. 49-ranked David Goffin and No. 39 Alexandre Muller will be squaring off at La Caja Magica in Madrid, Spain. Goffin has not won any of his nine tournaments so far this year, with an overall record of 8-9. Muller is 7-9 through nine tournaments so far this year, but has come up short in clinching any tournament titles. Here is the betting info to dissect before the 16 matches today. Tennis odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Thursday at 7:13 AM ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub. Today's matches at the Mutua Madrid Open Odds to win the 2025 Mutua Madrid Open
Forbes
23-03-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Carlos Alcaraz has lost himself a little during the Sunshine Double
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - MARCH 21: David Goffin of Belgium meets Carlos Alcaraz of Spain after ... More defeating him during Day 4 of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 21, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by) Sun Tzu's The Art of War has been a key text for entrepreneurs in their business strategy and sports coaches in their pursuit of victory. 'Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak,' is one of the oft-quoted nuggets from the infamous Chinese military leader's tome. It could be a decent piece of advice right now to Carlos Alcaraz if his post-match statements are taken at face value following recent defeats at Indian Wells and Friday's Miami Open. The Sunshine Double has clouded over ultimate dominance for the world No. 3. Alcaraz couldn't spark any tricks in the Magic City during his latest reverse against Belgian veteran David Goffin in the last 64. The Spaniard struggled to shed light on his 7-5, 4-6, 3-6 defeat other than to say he performed poorly. 'I thought I was going to play really good tennis but it didn't happen … playing a break down in the third set, not feeling great or confident physically, it's really tough to get back.' the 21-year-old admitted. 'I think I was feeling good after Indian Wells, but now with this loss, I don't know what to say. Mentally, I'm screwed, to be honest,' he continued. The searing transparency from Alcaraz was also in widescreen view last week in California when he fell to Jack Draper. It's popcorn-eating content for scribes, but simultaneously eye-popping to hear such words from one of the best players in the world. 'I was nervous during the whole day, in the practice before the match,' said Alcaraz after his three-set defeat to the Briton in the first part of the Sunshine Double. I always say that I have to be focused on myself, on my own game. I think today I was more worried about his (Draper) level, his game, than myself,' mused the four-time Grand Slam champion. Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal or Novak Djokovic might berate themselves on the court, but they wouldn't open up their soul to future opponents in such a manner. Alcaraz is in an elite sport where microphones can be under the player's nose before a mental reset is possible. Alcaraz is not playing that game anyway. Tell it like it is. More worryingly, Alcaraz just seems very beatable right now. There's been a thread of vulnerability running concurrently beside some superb highs for some time. His dips been been covered up to a certain extent by his excellent Grand Slam record, even though the 2024 victories at Wimbledon and the French Open were not entirely convincing. Make no mistake. Alcaraz wins when it matters. Ever since Alcaraz lost that immense Olympic final to Djokovic in August, the Spaniard has generally struggled to find his groove. He threw everything at the Serb that day. It kept coming back. Emotionally drained, he ran out of fuel at the U.S. Open and out of ideas against a hobbled Serb again in a four-set defeat in Melbourne. The 'shocks' in ATP tournaments are now becoming commonplace. There was Gael Monfils at Cincinnati; Tomas Machac in Shanghai; Ugo Humbert in Paris; Jiri Lehecka in Doha; and now Goffin in Miami. Former world No. 2 Alex Corretja has spoken about the emotional wear and tear on his compatriot and a man fighting himself as much as his opponent. 'Mentally, sometimes he looks a little bit saturated, maybe he is not so fresh, and that entails everything we are talking about. It's a feeling that maybe he needs a little more tranquillity than I think he sometimes has,' Corretja told TNT Sports. INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: Jack Draper of Great shakes hands at the net after his three ... More set victory against Carlos Alcaraz of Spain in their Semifinal round match during the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 15, 2025 in Indian Wells, California. (Photo by) Alcaraz will now look forward to the clay court season starting in Monte Carlo on April 6 as he looks to defend his French Open title. He recently employed Samuel Lopez as a secondary coach at the end of 2024, a man he stated brings him calm and who ended up as the default coach at his Rotterdam Open win in January when Juan Carlos Ferrero didn't travel to Holland. Ferrero has looked after Alcaraz since his charge came to his Valencia Academy as a 15-year-old. Former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick lived by Sun Tzu's notion that 'every battle is won before it is fought.' Alcaraz will have to come up with some clearer strategies before he steps back onto his most successful red dirt battlefield.
