Iga Świątek Urges French Open to Move Advertising Boards

Iga Świątek has joined Zeynep Sönmez in urging French Open officials to move advertising hoardings after Sönmez suffered a nasty fall during a doubles match on Friday.

The incident occurred when Sönmez tripped over a sign and crashed into a wall, resulting in a leg injury that ended her campaign.

Sönmez was partnering German Tatjana Maria in their second round match against Ukrainian duo Anhelina Kalinina and Dayana Yastremska.

She ran towards the back of Court Six as she chased a high ball at 2-0 down in the opening set.

The 24-year-old looked to have given up her chase as the ball bounced over her head but she tripped on a small sign that served as an advertisement for a sponsor and fell face first towards the wall.

Świątek, a four-time French Open champion, said the current placement "is not safe for sure".

She called for a reaction from tournament organisers, citing the need for more space on clay courts.

The balls are flying higher, and players can use the court a bit more with the spin and everything, Świątek explained.

Organisers said they had taken feedback from players into account and were communicating with them on the issue.

The stadium complex was modernised during the 2018-19 season, and all courts currently exceed the international circuit minimum requirements regarding the distance between the baseline and the back of the court.

However, the tournament's priority remains the well-being of the players taking part, and adjustments are currently being made to the area around the playing surface.

Sönmez is a popular player on the women's tour and had won the hearts of fans at the Australian Open in January.

She received the support of **Iga Świątek**, who hopes the tournament organisers will put the advertising signs in a different place or use a different method.

The incident occurred on May 30, 2026, during the French Open, and Sönmez's campaign ended after just 17 minutes.