Tennis Games at Italian Open Disrupted by Climate Protesters
Recently, two tennis matches at the Italian Open were abruptly halted due to unexpected protests by climate activists from Italy’s Ultima Generazione group. The disruption occurred at the Foro Italico in Rome, causing a stir among spectators and players alike.
The protesters made their presence known by interrupting a match between American Madison Keys and Romanian Sorana Cirstea on the Pietrangeli court, as well as a men’s doubles match on Court 12. Dressed in orange vests, they threw confetti and glued themselves to the stands, forcing play to come to a standstill at the prestigious sporting event’s 81st edition.
Unsurprisingly, spectators and players were not pleased with the interruption. The disrupted players had to retreat to the locker rooms while police removed the protesters, allowing the games to resume on the courts shortly after.
This incident is just one in a series of similar acts that have taken place in Rome and other Italian cities. Climate activists have previously glued their hands to artworks, staged roadblocks, and even dyed historic fountains’ waters black to draw attention to the pressing climate crisis.
The Ultima Generazione group’s main demand is a €20 billion reparation fund. This fund aims to provide support to individuals affected by past and future climate disasters. The Italian parliament has recently introduced strict penalties, including fines of up to €60,000, to deter acts of eco-vandalism against monuments and heritage sites.
Photo Credit: Internazionali BNL d’Italia
