Adolfo Daniel Vallejo of Paraguay hits a shot toward Moise Kouame of France at the 2026 French Open on Thursday in Paris. Photo by Yoan Valat/EPA
June 1 (UPI) -- Paraguayan Adolfo Daniel Vallejo was fined nearly $76,000 for directing a sexist slight at an umpire at the 2026 French Open, the French Tennis Federation announced Monday.
Vallejo made the remark during an interview with Clay. The No. 71 player in the ATP singles rankings told the tennis website that it was "very difficult for a woman" to umpire the "sort of match" he played against No. 318 Moise Kouame of France, which Vallejo lost Thursday in Paris.
"This is clearly something that is unacceptable for our tournaments, for the federation, even beyond the tournament," Roland Garros director Amelie Mauresmo told reporters Monday. "Once again, this kind of talk has no place here."
Kouame edged Vallejo 67-60 in winners in his 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 3-6, 7-6(8) victory. The Frenchman trailed 10-6 in aces. He also committed 61 unforced errors, compared to Vallejo's 54. Vallejo converted 7 of 15 break point opportunities, compared to Kouame's 6 of 13 clip.
