‘It can’t look like a circus’ – Munar accuses crowd of ‘lack of respect’

French Open 2025

Location: Roland Garros, May 25 – June

In his five-set defeat to home favorite Arthur Fils, French Open champion Jaume Munar has criticised the “circus” created by the crowds and accused them of a “complete lack of respect.”

In their second-round match, the Spaniard rallied from two sets down to defeat 14th seed Fils, but the winner, Court Suzanne Lenglen, fell 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-4) 2-6 0-6 6-4.

Fils’ recovery from a back injury was sparked by a boisterous French crowd, who passionately backed him as he battled through it in four hours and 25 minutes.

In his post-game press conference, Munar stated, “I’m going to be very clear on the subject and I’m not going to mince my words.”

“I’m used to it,” I said, “but if they encourage the other player or if they yell, I’m okay.” It’s also very intense in South America.

They sing nonstop, they interrupt continuously, which is what I believe to be a complete lack of respect is. This happens frequently here.

Since Munar previously had a breakup, he had to ask the crowd to remain quiet during the final game.

After removing his shirt and lapping up the atmosphere, Fils managed to win the crowd over with a miraculous victory despite struggling to move at one point.

You have to remember that we are here to do our job, Munar said, “but it seems like a great show for the spectators.”

“It can’t look like a circus, and there are times when it looks like theater,” the statement goes.

They understand sports differently, they say, but the US Open is a show. They can be enthralled and have a sense of spectacle, but they never disrespect the players. It’s comparable in Australia.