French Open officials banned French player Maxime Hamou from Roland Garros after he tried to kiss Eurosport reporter Maly Thomas during a live TV interview in Paris on May 29, 2017. The French Tennis Federation revoked his accreditation, citing reprehensible behavior. The incident was aired on Avantage Leconte, and the footage drew swift criticism. This report explains what happened, the tournament response, and how those involved reacted.
What Happened during the Live Interview
During a courtside interview for Avantage Leconte on Eurosport, 21 year old Maxime Hamou attempted to kiss journalist Maly Thomas multiple times while holding her around the neck and shoulders. She pulled away and continued the interview, clearly uncomfortable on air. Studio laughter was heard as the moment unfolded live.
The incident occurred live at Roland Garros, which meant millions of tennis fans could see it in real time and in replays.
Thomas later described the exchange as an unpleasant moment. Viewers and media organizations quickly called out the conduct as inappropriate and unprofessional during a major tournament broadcast.
Tournament Response and Ban
The French Tennis Federation, which runs Roland Garros, issued a statement revoking Hamou’s accreditation after reviewing the footage. The body called his behavior reprehensible and moved to remove him from the event environment.
Revoking accreditation bars a player from official areas on site, including locker rooms, media zones, and practice courts. The decision effectively removed Hamou from the French Open venue despite his first round exit in singles.
Officials framed the action as a protection of workplace safety for journalists and staff and as a clear signal about standards expected at a Grand Slam event.
Reactions from Eurosport and the Reporter
Eurosport condemned the behavior and said it did not condone such conduct in any way. The network praised its journalist and noted that a full apology was being offered to her by the player. Maly Thomas later spoke to HuffPost France about how unsettling the live exchange felt.
- French Tennis Federation revoked Hamou’s accreditation after the on air incident.
- Eurosport called the behavior highly inappropriate and backed its reporter.
- Maly Thomas said that if she had not been live on air, she would have defended herself.
The reporter said she felt deeply uncomfortable on air and emphasized personal boundaries during interviews.
Player Apology and Aftermath
Hamou issued an apology to Maly Thomas, saying he respected her and that his enthusiasm was expressed awkwardly. He told L’Equipe that none of what was written was his intention and said he was at her disposal to apologize to her in person.
He stated he wanted to apologize directly and learn from the mistake to be a better person and player.
Hamou, ranked around world number 287 at the time, had already lost in the first round to Pablo Cuevas. The episode added to wider conversations in tennis about player conduct and respect for media professionals during live broadcasts.
Timeline and Official Statements
Key events and statements spanned two days in Paris as the footage circulated widely.
| Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|
| May 29, 2017 | Live interview at Roland Garros where Hamou attempts to kiss reporter on air | Eurosport broadcast |
| May 30, 2017 | Accreditation revoked for Maxime Hamou after review of behavior | French Tennis Federation statement |
| May 30, 2017 | Network condemns behavior and supports its journalist | Eurosport statement |
| May 30, 2017 | Player issues public apology and offers to apologize in person | L’Equipe interview |
Clips of the interview were shared by viewers and media outlets, increasing scrutiny of conduct in mixed zones. The incident remains a reference point in discussions about safe work environments for reporters at major sports events.
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