“One coincidence is just a coincidence, two coincidences are a clue, three coincidences are proof,” Agatha Christie once said. It took no more than a couple of matches to realize that the Italian Open is facing a serious problem it has been struggling with for years. Certain spectators–mostly live bettors–have been trying to harass players in an attempt to influence matches and tilt outcomes in their favor.
Of course, it would be unfair to generalize; not every bettor behaves inappropriately. However, during this year’s tournament in Rome, a clear and troubling pattern has emerged, with multiple players voicing their frustration over crowd behavior.
De Minaur and Mensik Confront the Crowd
The first major incident came during the second-round match between home favorite Luca Nardi and Alex De Minaur. The Australian paused before serving to confront a group sitting in the front row, asking them to stay quiet between his first and second serves. Even the chair umpire had to leave his seat to warn the group, threatening to eject them from the stadium.
A similar episode occurred during the match between Jakub Mensik and Fabian Marozsan. Spectators repeatedly insulted the young Czech player, prompting him to stop playing and directly confront them. After securing the win, Mensik pointed toward them and blew a kiss.
This is what happened during the Mensik-Marozsan match today. I know you guys must have noticed several rude spectators.
They insulted Jakub throughout the match. Jakub stopped playing to talk to them and called them out. And it finally ended with his victory and a kiss bye. pic.twitter.com/tFs2XgrKFv
— Jakub Mensik Fanpage (@JakubMensikFan) May 12, 2025
Tauson Others Targeted
Women’s matches weren’t spared either. Danish player Clara Tauson faced hostility on Pietrangeli court, where a man in the front row loudly celebrated one of her double faults.
Guy cheers at Tauson's double fault and she confronts him, as she should! pic.twitter.com/hWfTm77qvW
— LorenaPopa 🕵️♀️🎾 (@popalorena) May 12, 2025
The list, unfortunately, goes on. During the match between Jaume Munar and Sebastian Korda, for example, another spectator was escorted out after shouting insults at the Spanish player.
Nishioka’s Story
Beyond the court, players are also turning to social media to share their experiences. Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka posted on X:
“I saw those kinds of situations in Rome. A few years ago I played Sonego and Italian fans screamed ‘let’s go Sushi.’ This year someone shouted ‘come on China’ during the match. I know it’s just a few people, but it happens many times in Rome.”
I saw those kind situations in Rome. Few years ago I played Sonego and Italian fans screamed “let’s go Sushi” , this year someone call me “come on China” both of between the game. I know this is only few people do but many times in Rome. https://t.co/SHmhlrODQe
— YOSHIHITO NISHIOKA (@yoshihitotennis) May 14, 2025
The issue of live bettors trying to manipulate or distract players is not new, but this year it has intensified. What was once an occasional annoyance has become a recurring theme. The reaction from both players and the broader tennis community suggests that the problem can no longer be ignored.
The Federation Responds
Faced with growing criticism, the tournament organizers issued an official statement, signed by Paolo Lorenzi, the tournament director and former professional player:
“The phenomenon of ‘live’ bettors has long been closely monitored by our Federation.
While betting activity is naturally allowed for adults under the terms regulated by law, we simply find it unacceptable for this activity to have any connection with competitive sports.
For this reason, our Federation will further enhance the existing controls, providing full support to law enforcement and the ATP to prevent incidents like those reported from recurring.
Simultaneously, the Federation will ensure that individuals identified as responsible for disruptive activities never have the opportunity to set foot in a venue hosting a federal event again.”
Main Photo Credit: Matthias Hauer/GEPA via USA TODAY Sports
