Frances Tiafoe calls for huge rule change everywhere besides Wimbledon

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Francis Tiafoe has called for a major rule change involving the spectators at tennis matches – and it’s as controversial as they come. Current tennis etiquette dictates that fans should maintain silence during points and should not change seats until players take breaks like changing ends.

The 25-year-old, however, claimed that fans should be allowed to speak and move during matches, which is the case in basketball.

Tiafoe a big fan of the NBA and is, therefore, largely inspired by the culture of the sport. This year he took part in the personality game during the All-Star Game of the American basketball league.

He told Forbes in an interview: “I think fans should be able to come and go and move around and speak during matches. Imagine going to a basketball game and not saying anything.”

The world No 14 said some events should retain tradition, such as Wimbledon, but added: “Outside that, let’s start to change things to bring younger fans to the game.

“I am always going to be out there competing hard with a smile on my face, bringing the crowd into it and making them feel a part of this crazy journey we call life.

“I think they are really enjoying that. I’m not putting that on for people, that is who I am. I love people being happy. I am getting pumped up and I want the crowd [to get pumped up].

“They spent hard-earned money to watch entertainment. I’m just doing me, just being me. I’m going to do me and do what helps me play my best.”

The American is never more comfortable than when on home soil surrounded by his fans. After reaching the semi-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time at Flushing Meadows last September, he also reached the last four at the Indian Wells Masters 1000 in early 2023.

Intriguingly, his American counterpart in Jessica Pegula agreed with his comments on how certain rules in tennis could be modified to attract younger audiences.

When asked about Tiafoe’s comments in her post-match press conference at the Miami Open, Pegula said that she “didn’t mind” people moving or talking during points.

She added: “I mean, I like it. I’m also, like, one of those people. I don’t really get bothered if people are standing or yelling or talking, not yelling maybe. So I can see how, yeah, that’s a cool way to look at it.”

Pegula isn’t the first player to back Tiafoe’s statements, with Eugenie Bouchard also doing the same a while back.

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