Iga Swiatek has called for changes to the layout of the French Open courts after several players suffered injuries, according to The Guardian. The concerns arise after multiple withdrawals due to tripping hazards at Roland Garros this week, drawing attention to player safety.
What happened
Swiatek’s comments came following incidents where players were injured by obstacles at the back of the courts. Turkish player Zeynep Sonmez fell while chasing a lob, colliding with a Lacoste advertising board. After a medical timeout, she had to retire from her second-round doubles match against Dayana Yastremska and Anhelina Kalinina, trailing 2-0.
“I didn’t see the incidents, but I heard about them,” Swiatek stated. “Obviously if these things happen, there needs to be a reaction… it’s not safe for sure.” Earlier, Belgian player Alexander Blockx withdrew after spraining his ankle on rain covers at a practice court. He remarked, “I heard a snap in my ankle… thanks to the ‘really necessary’ covers.”
Players have rallied around this issue. British player Katie Boulter insisted that the boards should be removed after nearly tripping on one during her match. “THESE THINGS HAVE TO GO,” she said on X. Sonmez echoed Boulter’s sentiment, lamenting, “Do we really have to wait until a player is seriously injured before these courtside boards are removed?”
Why it matters
Player safety at major sporting events is paramount, especially at the French Open, which has a history of similar issues. Current practices have sparked a debate on whether organizers prioritize advertising over athlete well-being. Repeated injuries raise concerns about potential long-term consequences for players.
The problem is not unique to this year; it is a recurring theme at Roland Garros. While other grand slams have adapted their layouts, the French Open persists with potentially hazardous court designs, risking the health of competitors.
Background
This is not the first time player safety at Roland Garros has been questioned. In 2017, player David Goffin had to retire during a match due to similar circumstances involving advertising panels. While the US Open also uses advertising hoardings, they are positioned against the back wall, reducing risk during gameplay.
On May 20, 2026, comments from players began surfacing regarding the safety hazards at the tournament. They have called for immediate revisions, emphasizing that the risks associated with the current setup must be addressed before any further injuries occur.
What’s next
The tournament organizers are expected to review safety protocols and court layouts after the current French Open concludes on June 11, 2026. Players will continue to advocate for changes to ensure safety and fair play in future tournaments.
