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French Open to take action against Vallejo for ‘sexist’ remarksImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Adolfo Daniel Vallejo was playing in a Grand Slam main draw for the first timeByJonathan Jurejko
The French Open says it will “significantly fine” Adolfo Daniel Vallejo after he made “unacceptable” and “sexist” comments about a female umpire.
Vallejo, 22, mentioned second-round match at Roland Garros should not have been umpired by Brazil’s Ana Carvalho as women do not have the “courage” to handle the crowd.
The Paraguayan world number 71 lost to French teenager Moise Kouame on Court Suzanne-Lenglen on Thursday, with the 17-year-old receiving vocal support in a near five-hour 6-3 7-5 2-6 2-6 7-6 (10-8) victory.
Vallejo criticised umpire Ana Carvalho of Brazil for being unable to control the “annoying” and “disrespectful” crowd.
French Open organisers mentioned they “strongly condemn all sexist remarks”.
“The competence of an umpire is not determined by their gender, but by their professionalism and ability to officiate at the highest level,” added the French Tennis Federation (FFT).
“The outcome of a sporting event, whether positive or negative, can never justify or excuse such remarks.”
According to the Grand Slam rulebook, Vallejo could receive a fine of up to $100,000 (£74,200) for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Vallejo also mentioned he was unhappy with how much time Kouame was given in between points.
Players are only allowed to take up to 25 seconds between points, but umpires can use their discretion as to when to start the shot clock while the crowd settles down.
“I think this sort of matches should be umpired by a man,” Vallejo told Clay magazine in an interview listened to and verified by BBC Sport.
“It’s very difficult for a woman to do it because the crowd is very annoying and you need to have a lot of courage to go against the crowd.
“I knew it [the crowd] was going to be like that. It didn’t harm me, it only strengthened him.”
Asked whether having a male umpire would have made a difference, Vallejo added: “Yes, yes, absolutely. The crowd was really disrespectful, but I understand it because they are supporting their home player.”
Vallejo has since taken to social media to defend his comments, stating on X that they have been “taken out of context” and he was referring to Carvalho specifically, rather than all female umpires.
The French Open added: “The tournament strongly condemns all sexist remarks, regardless of who makes them, and offers its support to the match umpire and, more broadly, to all the tournament’s umpiring officials.”
The Grand Slam rulebook states that players “shall at all times conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner and give due regard to the authority of officials and the rights of opponents, spectators and others”.
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