PARIS — Zeynep Sonmez tripped over an on-court advertising block while chasing a ball during her French Open doubles match on Friday and retired from the match. She sustained a bruised knee and required two stitches following the fall.
The French Open relocated the position of on-court advertising blocks on Saturday after players raised safety concerns. The foot-high advertising blocks had previously been placed in front of the folded court covers and were moved to the top of the tarpaulins at the back of the courts.
Sonmez posted on social media following the incident, writing, "Do we really have to wait until a player is seriously injured before these courtside boards are removed? Player safety must come first."
Katie Boulter also tripped over an on-court advertising block during her singles match on Thursday but avoided injury. She later posted online, "These things have to go. [I] got lucky last night but next time I might not be."
The French Tennis Federation (FFT) stated that all Roland-Garros courts exceed international minimum requirements for baseline clearance. The FFT acknowledged player safety as a priority and said adjustments were being made to the placement of advertising materials.
Multiple players reported near-misses or falls involving the courtside advertising blocks during the early days of the tournament. Tournament organizers confirmed the relocation of the blocks followed direct feedback from competitors about potential hazards during play.
The FFT said it continues to evaluate court configurations to ensure compliance with both safety standards and tournament presentation requirements. Officials noted that the new placement of advertising materials keeps them away from active playing areas while maintaining visibility for sponsors.