Swedish riots and demonstrations against Rhodesian participation in the Davis Cup
The Båstad riots marked the most violent clash between Swedish police and protesters in the 1960s, triggered by opposition to apartheid-linked nations in Davis Cup tennis.
Key Facts
- Date
- 3 May 1968
- Match
- Sweden vs Rhodesia, Davis Cup
- Match result
- Sweden won 4–1
- Protest target
- Rhodesia and South Africa's apartheid policies
- Historical distinction
- Most violent police-demonstrator confrontation in Sweden in the 1960s
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Demonstrators objected to Rhodesia and South Africa—both apartheid states already excluded from most international sporting competitions—being permitted to participate in the Davis Cup tennis tournament. Activists sought to extend the sporting boycott of apartheid regimes to tennis.
On 3 May 1968 in Båstad, Sweden, violent riots erupted around a Davis Cup match between Sweden and Rhodesia. Police and demonstrators clashed in what became the most violent such confrontation in Sweden during the 1960s. Authorities ultimately allowed the match to proceed in secrecy, with Sweden winning 4–1.
Following the riots, the Swedish government entered into dialogue with demonstrators to prevent further escalation of violence. The episode contributed to growing international pressure on apartheid-linked nations in sport and reflected the broader global anti-apartheid movement's expansion into tennis.
Political Outcome
The Davis Cup match was played in secrecy; Sweden won 4–1. The Swedish government opened dialogue with protesters to reduce violence, reflecting pressure to exclude apartheid states from international sport.