Paraguayan qualifier Adolfo Daniel Vallejo will forfeit half of his French Open earnings after telling a tennis website the second‑round match should have been overseen by a man. The comment targeted Brazilian umpire Ana Carvalho, whom Vallejo claimed lacked the strength to handle the hostile crowd. Roland Garros director Amélie Mauresmo immediately imposed a €65,000 penalty.

Vallejo fell 6‑3, 7‑5, 3‑6, 2‑6, 7‑6(8) to 17‑year‑old Frenchman Moïse Kouame in a grueling five‑set duel lasting nearly five hours. Second‑round participants earn €130,000, so the sanction wipes out roughly half his payout. Vallejo argued the crowd’s “intense” behavior required a male official, citing frequent pauses and player stalling as justification.

The episode reignites debate over gender bias in tennis officiating and underscores Roland Garros’ zero‑tolerance stance. By docking the prize, the tournament sends a clear message that sexist remarks will cost players financially, not just reputationally. Vallejo’s fine stands as a concrete deterrent for future contenders who might consider similar rhetoric.

Amélie Mauresmo reiterated that officials, regardless of gender, receive full support from the governing body. The French federation plans to review umpire training and crowd‑control protocols after the incident. Vallejo’s sanction therefore influences both player conduct and the sport’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity on centre court.