Vallejo’s Upset at French Open Leads to Controversy Over Umpiring

Adolfo Daniel Vallejo, a tennis player from Paraguay, expressed dissatisfaction with the umpiring in his French Open match. He believes a male umpire should have officiated his match against 17-year-old Moïse Kouame. Vallejo argues that women find it “very difficult” to handle demanding crowds.

In the second-round match on Thursday, Vallejo came from two sets down, forcing a fifth set. Despite having a 5-3 lead, he lost 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 2-6, 7-6(8) against Kouame. The match was played amidst vocal support for the French player from the crowd at Court Suzanne-Lenglen.

Vallejo criticized the officiating by Ana Carvalho, stating she did not control Kouame’s tactics. He remarked to Clay magazine, “This sort of match needs to be umpired by a man.” Vallejo acknowledged that he expected an intense atmosphere, understanding the crowd’s support for their compatriot.

On Friday, the French Tennis Federation (FFT) and tournament organizers termed Vallejo’s remarks “unacceptable.” They announced a fine for Vallejo and emphasized that an umpire’s competence is based on professionalism, not gender. “Roland-Garros strongly condemns all sexist remarks,” their statement read, offering support to umpire Carvalho and all the tournament’s officials.

Vallejo entered the French Open following his performance in the Madrid Open’s round of 32. He currently ranks 71 in ATP singles. Meanwhile, the match marked Kouame’s longest in senior tennis, lasting nearly five hours. He next faces Alejandro Tabilo of Chile, ranked No. 36.