French Open: Roland Garros Fines Adolfo Daniel Vallejo for Sexist Remarks

Adolfo Daniel Vallejo is facing criticism after making sexist remarks about the female chair umpire who officiated his French Open second-round match on May 28. Following his loss to 17-year-old Frenchman Moise Kouame, the 22-year-old Paraguayan tennis player told Clay magazine that the match should have been umpired by a man, saying it is “very difficult for a woman” to handle such a demanding crowd. He added that the official “needs a lot of strength” to deal with the atmosphere created by the French fans.

Vallejo’s comments came after a tense, nearly five-hour contest in which the home crowd strongly backed Kouame, who has emerged as a breakout talent at the tournament. The crowd’s support was loud and at times unruly, but Vallejo said he expected that kind of environment and had prepared for it in advance. He acknowledged that the spectators were “very out of line,” while also noting that he understood they were supporting a local player.

Despite the hostile atmosphere, Vallejo said it did not hurt his own performance but instead seemed to fuel his opponent. He suggested that the crowd’s energy ultimately strengthened Kouame during the match. The remarks, however, drew attention for all the wrong reasons, with Vallejo being called out for implying that women are less suited to officiate high-pressure tennis matches.

The controversy adds to the pressure surrounding a young player already dealing with a difficult Grand Slam exit. Kouame’s victory, meanwhile, continued his rise as one of the French Open’s most promising young names, with the teenager benefiting from intense home support on one of the biggest stages in tennis.