The French Open has come under fire for several incidents concerning player safety in 2026.
Following her second-round defeat, Katie Boulter issued a complaint after stumbling over an advertisement board, narrowly escaping injury.
Not getting as lucky as Boulter, Zeynep Sonmez was forced to withdraw from her doubles match due to injury after she tripped over an advertisement board into the fence.
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Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has had enough and made her feelings heard on social media.
Martina Navratilova says metal advertisement boards are ‘dangerous’ to players
Navratilova shared her thoughts on X.
“Been talking about them for decades,” she said.
“They have always been dangerous, but now being metal, [they] are even worse.
“The court is no longer big enough.
“But it should never be dangerous…”
Never afraid to speak her mind, Navratilova made it clear that the French Open must address the issue.
Perhaps hearing a legend like Navratilova complain, the tournament organisers are more likely to listen than they were when Sonmez and Boulter shared their concerns.
“These things have to go. Got lucky last night, but next time I might not be,” said Boulter.
“I stand with Katie [Boulter],” added Sonmez.
“Five incidents in five days. I left the court with two stitches and a bruised knee. Thankfully, it wasn’t worse.
“Do we really have to wait until a player is seriously injured before these courtside boards are removed?
“Player safety must come first.”
The French Open did release a statement addressing the concerns, but has anything actually been done?
French Open moves advertisement boards back after complaints
Roland Garros said the following.
“The tournament’s priority remains the well-being of the players taking part. With this in mind, and based on our own observations, adjustments are currently being made to the area around the playing surface,” they wrote.
Fans and pundits kept a close eye on the positioning of the advertisement boards as play started on Saturday, but the early signs weren’t positive.
As reported by on-site journalist James Gray on X, the boards weren’t moved on Court Six.
However, he then shared an update, confirming that Roland Garros had taken action.
“They have now been moved back!” he said.
“The foam blocks have been moved backwards (this is Court Seven).”
Roland Garros (finally) made the right call, giving them a much-needed win in 2026.
Why the French Open can’t afford any more bad publicity
Tournament organiser Amelie Mauresmo hasn’t had an easy time in Paris this year.
The event began under a cloud of controversy, with talks of player boycotts and media protests amid prize money disputes.
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Tensions are high in Paris!
Roland Garros angered the players with the revenue share offered at this year’s tournament, and many fans sided with the stars.
The French Open nightmare had begun, and a week on, they still haven’t woken up.
Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Novak Djokovic, the three biggest names in men’s tennis, are all out of the competition before the fourth round.
Their exits will have significant implications on revenues and viewership figures.
While there is some excitement in a new champion being crowned, tournament organisers would much rather have seen a repeat of last year’s legendary final between Alcaraz and Sinner.
With players unhappy for several reasons, and fans at risk of losing interest in the event, Mauresmo and co. couldn’t afford another loss.
Therefore, getting an easy ‘win’ by moving the advertisement boards back worked for all parties.
