Since the Osaka episode, in tears after being upset by a spectator, discussions have multiplied around the sometimes borderline behavior of the public in certain stadiums. How to react in these moments? Several big names on the circuit like Andy Murray believe that there is no other choice but to make do with it and adapt.
In the quarter-finals, Nick Kyrgios slashed him several times with the fans in the stands, noisy and mostly won over to the cause of Rafael Nadal. But as some observers point out, the Spaniard also experienced these hostile atmospheres at the start of his career. Notably against Sébastien Grosjean in the round of 16 at Roland‐Garros in 2005.
“Of course I remember that game and for a while it was unplayable, but it wasn’t up to me to stop it, it was up to the referee. He had to put an end to this atmosphere which did not allow tennis to be played at that time. I just tried to do the things that help me to continue despite the difficulties. When I get upset or lose focus, I tell myself I’m not that kind of guy. I like to think positively. Not just on the court, in everyday life tooRafa recalled after his game against Kyrgios.
The rain had finally postponed the continuation and the end of the meeting to the next day. Nadal had finished the job against the Frenchman (6–4, 3–6, 6–0, 6–3). And behind, he had won his first Roland-Garros. At 18 years old.
Posted on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at 4:55 PM
