Roland Garros imposes historic fine on Paraguayan player for sexist remarks about umpire

Roland Garros has imposed a historic 65,000 euro fine on 17-year-old Paraguayan tennis player Daniel Vallejo for controversial remarks made after his second-round match loss. The penalty, equivalent to roughly half of his tournament prize money, was confirmed by tournament director Amélie Mauresmo, who called the comments "unacceptable."

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It is difficult for an umpire to manage this situation. These types of matches must be officiated by a man; it is difficult for a woman to do it, the crowd is very heavy, you have to have a lot of strength to go against the crowd.

Vallejo, competing in his first Grand Slam, was eliminated in a grueling five-set match against French player Moise Kouamé. Following the defeat, Vallejo suggested that the match should have been officiated by a male umpire, not a female one, citing the pressure of the crowd.

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unacceptable

"It is difficult for an umpire to manage this situation. These types of matches must be officiated by a man; it is difficult for a woman to do it, the crowd is very heavy, you have to have a lot of strength to go against the crowd," Vallejo told digital media outlet Clay. The umpire in question was Brazilian Ana Carvalho, a silver badge holder recognized by the International Tennis Federation.

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I have respect for the umpire and the work she did. I apologize to her, I was very heated and with a lot of emotions after five hours.

Initially, Vallejo claimed his words were taken out of context. However, he later apologized, stating he had great respect for the umpire and her work. He explained that he was overheated and emotional after the five-hour match. The tournament organizers emphasized that an umpire's value is determined by professionalism and skill, not gender.

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the value of umpires is not measured by their gender, but by their professionalism and their ability to officiate at the highest level.