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French Open 2025 will ban alcohol in stands to curb unruly fan behaviour after complaints from players like Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka.
The alcohol ban in the stands will continue at the 2025 French Open (Picture credit: AFP)
In a significant shift in rules, the French Open will this year continue to bar the audience from carrying alcohol into the stands, after several players have complained of unruly behaviour from the audience, mostly drunk. This is one of the regulations that will be implemented at the 2025 edition of the tournament.
Several tennis players, including three-time champion Novak Djokovic, have complained of the vocal and unruly audience at the French Open.
Tennis bosses have been fighting against a deteriorating level of fan behaviour during matches. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, asked someone from the audience to shut up at the recent Italian Open.
Danish tennis star Clara Tauson was seen requesting the chair umpire to intervene after a member of the crowd showed unruly behaviour.
Czech tennis star Jakub Mensik was involved in a similar confrontation during his match against Fabian Marozsán.
All the above have made the French Open organisers take notice and act. “It will be fully renewed this year. You can 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,” tournament director Amelie Mauresmo has said.
French Open organisers have decided to adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards unruly crowd behaviour.
The ban on the consumption of alcohol came into effect mid-tournament in 2024, when someone from the audience spat a chewing gum at Belgium’s David Goffin during his match against Giovanni Mpteshi Perricard.
The decision has received mixed reactions, with Goffin himself expressing approval of the ban.
“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,” Goffin said.
With tennis stars like Iga Swiatek and Sabalenka speaking out against disruptive fans, the French Open is cracking down on misbehaviour.
As the tennis world braces for the excitement of the French Open, the strict steps implemented by organisers promise a tournament free from disruptions, elevating the sporting experience for all involved.
The French Open will begin on Sunday, May 25, with World No. 1 Jannik Sinner expected to take on local lad Arthur Rinderknech on the Centre Court.
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