World No. 15 Casper Ruud complained about intermittent whistling from the stands during his Madrid Masters semifinal match.
This led to an argument with chair umpire Manuel Messina on his serve at 2-2 in the second set. The game had already lasted 12 minutes at that point, with Ruud recovering from 15-40 against Francisco Cerúndolo, but the Argentine had another break point opportunity.
MM: `There`s no rule for this. It`s just disrespectful. I will make an announcement and ask them not to shout/whistle.`
CR: `How many times do they need to shout before I can demand something? Why can`t you answer the question? You just say, “I`ll handle it.” But I`m asking a specific question. How many seconds need to pass before I can demand, say, a first serve back or a replay? If he keeps whistling, again and again and again – and nothing? What about Sabalenka and the rain the other day?`
MM: `Those are completely different situations.`
CR: `It`s funny how you can never give a clear answer to a question.`
MM: `Because there isn`t one.`
Ultimately, the Norwegian won the game, and the conversation continued during the changeover.
CR: `What if you – hypothetically – gave me a first serve? I know you can`t, but let`s say you did. Do you think he would keep whistling? Probably not. I know you`re doing your best, but just saying “Please stop” isn`t enough. Some fans are just too disruptive.`
MM: `If someone is intentionally interfering, we can call security and remove that person. I heard whistling a couple of times. We can`t get inside people`s heads.`
CR: `I know, but if you were stricter, they wouldn`t do it anymore. You`d immediately stop this behavior. I know it`s not easy for Francisco because he`s not involved. But this spectator is cheering for him… If you gave me the first serve back, he wouldn`t do it again. And there wouldn`t be problems.`
MM: `I know, but we can`t do that.`
Adrian Whitmore 
Rupert Hartwell