Vallejo Faces Criticism for Comments on Female Umpire at French Open
Adolfo Daniel Vallejo was competing in a Grand Slam main draw for the first time when controversy arose following his second-round match at the French Open.
The Paraguayan, ranked world number 71, expressed criticism regarding the decision to have a female umpire officiate his match, stating that women lack the "courage" to manage the crowd effectively.
Vallejo was defeated by French teenager Moise Kouame on Court Suzanne-Lenglen on Thursday. The match lasted nearly five hours, with Kouame securing a 6-3 7-5 2-6 2-6 7-6 (10-8) victory, buoyed by strong vocal support from the crowd.
Vallejo specifically criticised the umpire, Ana Carvalho from Brazil, alleging she was unable to control the "annoying" and "disrespectful" crowd. Additionally, he expressed dissatisfaction with the amount of time Kouame was permitted between points.
According to tournament rules, players may take up to 25 seconds between points, but umpires have discretion on when to start the shot clock, especially while the crowd settles.
"I think this sort of matches should be umpired by a man," Vallejo told Clay magazine in an interview verified by .
"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."
When asked whether having a male umpire would have altered the situation, Vallejo responded:
"Yes, yes, absolutely. The crowd was really disrespectful, but I understand it because they are supporting their home player."
Following the backlash, Vallejo addressed the situation on social media, specifically on X, asserting that his remarks were "taken out of context" and that his criticism was directed at Carvalho individually, not at all female umpires.
The French Tennis Federation (FFT), the organisers of the tournament, have been contacted for comment regarding the incident.
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