Novak Djokovic gets his wish with ban as French Open make stance perfectly clear

French Open chiefs have vowed to crack down on bad behaviour from spectators at this year's tournament by introducing a ban on drinking alcohol in the stands. The move comes amid growing concerns over fan conduct, with several at recent events.

Last year, a supporter allegedly spat chewing gum at Belgian player during his match against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, prompting tournament officials to introduce a mid-event ban on alcohol sales in the stands. The new ruling, however, should come as welcome news for Novak Djokovic, with the Serb branding the crowd as "not easy" in 2024.

Djokovic, who was booed after complaining to the umpire about a fan repeatedly shouting throughout one of his games, said: "They are very passionate fans. It's part of sports. You want a good atmosphere. It's a fine line when that line is passed and when it starts becoming disrespectful towards the player."

Last year's tournament also saw Iga Swiatek appeal for the crowd to keep quiet during points after her dramatic win over Naomi Osaka.

With little sign of improvement in fan behaviour, officials have taken a firmer stance this year. At the recent Italian Open, women's world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka told a fan to "shut the f*** up" during her quarter-final defeat to Zheng Qinwen, while Clara Tauson confronted a heckler after serving a double fault against Mirra Andreeva.

In light of these incidents, French Open director Amelie Mauresmo has taken action. Mauresmo has also warned that any fans found to be misbehaving will be removed from the stands, as officials seek to maintain a respectful atmosphere for players and spectators alike.

With Carlos Alcaraz set to defend his men's title in Paris on Sunday, officials are determined to create a more positive and respectful environment at this year's French Open.

"It will be fully renewed this year. You can obviously 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," Mauresmo told Ouest-France.

"I also think that the post-Covid period has given people the desire to express themselves differently and more fully, to let go. And not just at sporting events."

Former French Open champion Mats Wilander also claimed fan behaviour has changed since the pandemic. "The planet has become much more emotional, nerves are more raw," said the Swede in 2024. "They were ordered to act in this or that way. They didn't like it. They came back with the idea of living and showing their emotions."