Article by Alexandru Stanciu – Published Tuesday, 19 May 2026, 23:26 / Updated Tuesday, 19 May 2026 23:29
Tensions ran high in the main draw qualifiers at Roland Garros. Tennis players Pedro Martinez (29 years old, #141 ATP) and Rei Sakamoto (19 years old, #152 ATP) were close to fighting at the end of the match won by the Iberian with the score of 6-2, 7-5, and the chair umpire had to intervene.
Immediately after the decisive point won by Martinez, the two players came to the net to shake hands. As they went to greet the chair umpire as well, the two had an exchange, and then the Spaniard turned vehemently towards the Japanese, at which point the umpire came down to separate them.
Scandal in the Roland Garros qualifiers: “Do you want to go outside?”
As Sakamoto was returning to his bench, Martinez suddenly shouted something at him. The world number 140 then approached the Japanese to speak vehemently. “Do you want to go outside?” Martinez threatened, gesturing nervously.
The referee intervened at that moment and separated the two tennis players. But even he couldn't calm Martinez down. The Spaniard continued to shout at Sakamoto as the referee held his shoulders. Finally, he decided to return to his half of the field. His behavior could be punished with a fine.
In the next qualifying round, Pedro Martinez will face the British Arthur Fery (23 years old, #153 ATP).
The main tournament at Roland Garros starts on Sunday, May 24, and the men's grand final will be played on Sunday, June 7.
Carlos Alcaraz will not be able to defend his title as he will not participate in the Paris Grand Slam tournament due to a wrist injury.
The Iberian announced that he will also miss the season on grass and therefore will not play at Wimbledon either.
