Katie Boulter lost to Anastasia Potapova, 7-5, 4-6, 2-6, in the second round of the French Open.
Great Britain’s last hope in singles threatened to cause the upset on Court 13 before falling to defeat in three sets.
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Boulter was disappointed with the result, but was keen to call out the French Open organisers after almost injuring herself during the match.
Katie Boulter tells Roland Garros to remove advertising boards after tripping in second-round defeat
The Briton stumbled over a Lacoste-branded advertising board at the back of the court on Thursday evening.
One fan posted the following message on social media.
“Roland Garros really deserves to be sued, she was lucky it wasn’t something serious, but for real… what’s the point of those things on court? Write the name Lacoste on that banner behind, and that’s it, they risk players’ health for sponsors,” they said.
Boulter reacted to the post, sharing her thoughts on X.
“These things have to go,” said Boulter.
“Got lucky last night, but next time I might not be…”
The French Open didn’t take action, and unfortunately, another player tripped over on Friday morning.
During her second-round doubles match, Zeynep Sonmez ran back to reach the ball, tripping over the board and crashing into the fence.
After receiving treatment for her ankle, Sonmez was forced to retire from the match.
Seeing another player fall victim to the advertisement boards, Jon Wertheim delivered his verdict on X.
“Another courtside signage injury,” said Wertheim.
“Full stop, these boards and tarps need removing.
“Player safety has to be paramount…
“It’s also the single worst product placement of all time.
“You were so desperate for branding you created a physical object that harmed athletes…”
Wertheim makes an excellent point, as brands won’t want to be blamed for injuring players.
Following another incident, surely now the tournament organisers will take note and remove the boards for the remainder of the tournament.
Why Alexander Blockx had to retire from Roland Garros
Sonmez wasn’t the only player to suffer an injury at Roland Garros, as Belgium’s Alexander Blockx was forced to withdraw from the tournament ahead of his second-round match with Alex de Minaur.
Blockx originally posted the following message on Instagram, explaining how he picked up the injury.
“Unfortunately, during today’s practice, I heard a snap in my ankle while I sprained it thanks to the ‘really necessary’ covers at the back of the court at Roland Garros, which is why I had to withdraw from tomorrow’s match that I was really looking forward to,” said Blockx.
He then edited the Instagram post, removing some of his more critical comments…
“Unfortunately, during today’s practice I heard a snap in my ankle while I sprained it, which is why I had to withdraw from tomorrow’s match that I was really looking forward to,” he said.
“A lot of frustration, but we move on.”
The world number 37 has now posted another update on his Instagram story.
“Hi everyone, after discussing everything with the team, the goal is to be back for Wimbledon, but we definitely don’t want to take any risks,” he said.
“We’re going to work really hard to get back on court as soon as possible.
“See you soon!”
There have even been reports that Blockx and his team could seek compensation for the incident.
The Belgian’s coach, Ruben Bemelmans, said the following as reported by ‘The Athletic‘.
“For sure [they might consider seeking compensation], there are no signs [saying be] careful about covers in the back,” he said.
“Are the covers necessary in Jean-Bouin? I don’t think so.”
It remains to be seen if Blockx and his team will take action against the French Open…
