Sabalenka and Djokovic soar, Roland Garros bans alcohol in stands

 

[May 31, 2024]  By Shrivathsa Sridhar

PARIS (Reuters) -Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic powered into the third round of the French Open on Thursday as tournament organizers cracked down on unruly fans by announcing an alcohol ban in the stands while also dealing with headaches caused by wet weather.

Playing under the roof on Philippe Chatrier even as Roland Garros authorities were scratching their heads over what to do with the rest of the schedule after a fifth straight rain-hit day, second seed Sabalenka blew away Moyuka Uchijima 6-2 6-2.

"That's the little advantage we get as top players because we play in big stadiums with the roof," said Sabalenka, who is eyeing a second major title this year.

"So I knew that no matter what the weather is going to be, I'm going to play my match. That's really helpful."

Defending champion Djokovic then outclassed Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena 6-4 6-1 6-2, while seeds Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Elena Rybakina and Elina Svitolina all went through unaffected by conditions due to overhead cover.

The story was vastly different on the outer courts where the day's action got into full swing only late in the afternoon with the backlog from Wednesday's washout adding to the problems of players and officials.

Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova overcame American Katie Volynets 0-6 6-1 6-4 in one of those matches while 11th seed Danielle Collins went down fighting to Serbian qualifier Olga Danilovic 6-7(3) 7-5 6-4 despite a neck issue.

Ninth seed and 2017 champion Jelena Ostapenko also became an early casualty, losing 7-6(4) 4-6 6-3 to Dane Clara Tauson.

Play on the outer courts will begin early on Friday to ease pressure on the packed schedule with organizers hoping the rain stays away.

SPIRITS DAMPENED

With spirits already dampened on a soggy morning, tournament director Amelie Mauresmo banned the consumption of wine and beer in the stands to control spectators after Belgian David Goffin had accused one fan of spitting gum at him two days ago.

Holder Iga Swiatek had also urged supporters not to scream during rallies, especially in high-pressure contests, after the Polish world number one beat Naomi Osaka on Wednesday.

"First of all, we're happy people are very enthusiastic about watching tennis and being part of the matches, showing feeling and emotions," said Mauresmo.

May 30, 2024; Paris, France; Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns a shot during his match against Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain on day five of Roland Garros at Stade Roland Garros. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports

"But there are definitely steps which shouldn't go further. A few things have needed to be put in place. Alcohol was allowed up until now in the stands but that's over."

Security will be deployed to ensure fans follow rules and respect players while umpires have been asked to be stricter, with more measures likely if the situation does not improve.

But former world number two Paula Badosa, who has slipped down the rankings amid injury struggles, said top players such as Swiatek should not complain too much.

"I played Court eight and nine and you can hear everything. I can hear Suzanne Lenglen, Philippe Chatrier, courts six, seven during points. She's lucky she can play all the time on Philippe Chatrier and she's okay with that," Badosa said.

"Honestly, I like when the fans cheer. I get pumped. Look, we had a very tough situation years ago when we were playing without fans with the COVID situation.

"I'm so happy they're back. I think they're very important for our sport."

Lorenzo Musetti did his own bit to silence local spectators in the evening session as the Italian beat French favorite Gael Monfils 7-5 6-1 6-4 to set up a clash with Djokovic.

Dane Holger Rune provided the thriller fans were craving for as the 13th seed, who led by two sets to love before being taken the distance by Italian Flavio Cobolli, hit back from 5-0 and 6-2 down in the tie break to win 6-4 6-3 3-6 3-6 7-6(10).

Casper Ruud of Norway was also pushed hard by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina before securing a 7-6(5) 1-6 6-3 4-6 6-3 win to continue his bid to make a third straight final at Roland Garros.

(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Paris; editing by Clare Fallon)

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