Roland Garros has announced it will make adjustments to its courts following complaints from players about poorly-placed advertising boards that have caused injuries. British player Katie Boulter and Turkish player Zeynep Sonmez were among those affected, with Sonmez requiring stitches after colliding with a board.
Four-time champion Iga Swiatek and Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk also called for the boards' removal. Tournament officials confirmed on Saturday that they have taken note of feedback and are making changes to ensure player safety, while noting that all courts exceed the minimum distance requirements set by the international circuit.
Boulter expressed her concerns on social media, writing: 'These things have to go. Got lucky last night but next time I might not be…' Sonmez echoed this, stating: '5 incidents in 5 days. I left the court with 2 stitches and a bruised knee. Player safety must come first.'
Separately, Belgium's Alexander Blockx withdrew from the men's singles after spraining his ankle on a tarpaulin rain cover at a practice facility near Roland Garros. The tournament organisers said adjustments are being made to the area around the playing surface based on their own observations.
