the essential
Part of the meeting between the German Alexander Zverev and the Norwegian Casper Ruud took place in the absence of part of the public, leaving the unenthused image of many empty seats.
“I wanted to mention a small point that is close to my heart: seeing these stands half empty, it really saddens me.” Frankly, the former French player Alizé Cornet, retired for a few days, publicly expressed, on France Télévisions, the feelings shared by many tennis observers and fans.
This is a recurring problem that has affected Roland-Garros for several years: part of the stands, mainly those on the Philippe-Chatrier court, find themselves devoid of spectators, including during important matches. This was again the case on Friday June 7, during the semi-final between Alexander Zverev and Casper Ruud.
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If the upper rings of the stadium (the cheapest seats) are full, the lower parts (the most expensive seats, boxes) are much less crowded. “At Roland‐Garros, we know how difficult places are to get for true tennis lovers,” said Alizé Cornet. “It’s a fiesta in all the other Grand Slam tournaments at that time (it was 9:30 p.m., Editor’s note), the stands are full, packed, people are excited to be there, so it’s a bit sad .”
Statements which were quick to echo on social networks. “I agree with Alizé Cornet, it’s always the same in Chatrier, half of which is made up of boxes and company places which are always empty. It’s annoying” we could read on X. “Thank you Alizée Cornet! These empty stands are sad and scandalous.”
Strongly agree with @alizecornet on the emptiness of the stands #Roland Garros . Last week it was super cold but Lenglen was full. It’s always the same in Chatrier, half made up of boxes and company places which are always empty. It’s infuriating.
— Elise Frank (@EliseFrank) https://twitter.com/EliseFrank/status/1799163057530114222?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Thank you Alizée Cornet! These empty stands are sad and scandalous. #Roland Garros
— Geraldine (@Geraldeeeen) https://twitter.com/Geraldeeeen/status/1799162773718302738?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Or again: “The stands for the rich are empty and the good people must put themselves on the waiting list.”
#ameliemoresmo great success to #Roland Garros the stands for the rich are empty and the good people have to put themselves on a waiting list. Bravo to the FFT and its leaders (formerly) the Morettons and #oudeacatera and their big salaries…. Shame
— gugus (@costrevise) https://twitter.com/costrevise/status/1799166084592906365?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
But also: Half-empty stands for a semi-final, continue to sell half the tickets to companies who pass them on to people who don’t come, the result is catastrophic.” “Forced once again to react to the vacuum of space in the stands of Roland Garros. What a shame !”
#ameliemoresmo great success to #Roland Garros the stands for the rich are empty and the good people have to put themselves on a waiting list. Bravo to the FFT and its leaders (formerly) the Morettons and #oudeacatera and their big salaries…. Shame
— gugus (@costrevise) https://twitter.com/costrevise/status/1799166084592906365?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Forced once again to react to the space void in the stands of Roland Garros @AmeMauresmo @GillesMoretton @FFTennis @Roland Garros @CasperRuud98 @AlexZverev #tennis @Francetele @AmazonTVMovie what a shame !
— RebelRebel70 (@RebelRebel70) https://twitter.com/RebelRebel70/status/1799157273526411609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
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However, since 2017 there has been a principle of double ticketing, supposed to ensure that the stands are full for a match which follows an extended first match, as may be the case on the day of a semi-final.
