David Goffin accuses French Open spectator of spitting chewing gum at him, denounces partisan fans for ‘total disrespect’ | Tennis News

Belgian tennis player David Goffin faced a shocking incident during his first-round victory at the French Open when a spectator spat chewing gum at him. The former world No 7 managed to secure a hard-fought win against home player Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, but the match was marred by disrespectful behavior from the crowd.

After being booed on court 14, Goffin expressed his frustration to reporters, stating, “Clearly, it goes too far, it’s total disrespect. It’s really too much.” The incident left him feeling unsettled, but he managed to keep his composure to secure the win.

Goffin also highlighted the growing trend of unruly behavior in tennis crowds, comparing it to football hooliganism. He emphasized the need for action to address the issue, noting that such behavior is not seen at other Grand Slam tournaments like Wimbledon or the US Open.

In response to the incident, Roland Garros officials released a statement urging spectators to show respect towards players. They emphasized the importance of maintaining the values of tennis and consideration for the athletes.

As Goffin prepares to face fourth seed Alexander Zverev in the second round, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by players in dealing with disruptive behavior from the crowd. The tennis world will be watching closely to see how authorities address this concerning trend.