In a bold move, Polish tennis player Iga Swiatek addressed the issue of crowd noise during matches at Roland-Garros in her post-match interview. The 22-year-old expressed her frustration with spectators shouting during rallies or right before returns, making it difficult for players to stay focused under pressure.
Swiatek emphasized the importance of maintaining concentration during matches, especially with high stakes and significant prize money on the line. She appealed to the crowd to support players between rallies but to refrain from making noise during crucial points.
Despite acknowledging the enthusiastic nature of French crowds, Swiatek felt compelled to speak out about the issue, citing instances where distractions affected her gameplay. She admitted that it was a risk to address the topic, considering the potential backlash from fans, but hoped for understanding and cooperation moving forward.
In contrast, Japanese player Naomi Osaka, who also competed at Roland-Garros, had a different perspective on the crowd. Osaka praised the energy and support from spectators, noting that their enthusiasm added to the excitement of the match.
As Swiatek awaits the response from the Parisian crowd, she prepares for her upcoming match in the round of 16. The tennis community will be watching to see how her comments impact the atmosphere at Roland-Garros and whether her plea for a quieter environment will be heeded by fans.