PARIS — French Open tournament director Amélie Mauresmo found herself at the center of controversy this week as she faced intense scrutiny over the scheduling of night sessions at Roland Garros, responding to criticism with a blunt "change the subject" when pressed by journalists.
The Scheduling Controversy
The dispute erupted after fans and analysts noted a stark imbalance in the night session lineup during the first week of the tournament. Of the nine night sessions scheduled, only one featured a women’s singles match—a trend that sparked accusations of gender bias. Mauresmo, a former world No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion, defended the selections, stating they were based on "match appeal and star power rather than gender."
Critics, however, were quick to highlight the disparity. Tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg tweeted: "Only one women’s match in nine night sessions at Roland Garros is indefensible. The tournament is actively choosing to sideline women’s matches when they have plenty of compelling options."
Key Complaints
- Lack of balance: Only 1 of 9 night sessions featured a women’s match.
- Missed opportunities: High-profile matches like Swiatek vs. Osaka were relegated to day sessions.
- Fan frustration: Ticket holders expressed disappointment over repetitive men’s matchups.
Mauresmo’s Defense
When questioned about the imbalance, Mauresmo initially attempted to justify the selections, stating: "We’ve tried to put matches that we thought would be the most attractive for the fans. It’s not a perfect science, but we’re doing our best."
However, as the backlash intensified, her tone shifted. During a tense press conference, she grew visibly frustrated, cutting off a reporter with: "I think we’ve talked enough about this. Maybe it’s time to change the subject." The remark drew immediate criticism, with many interpreting it as dismissive of legitimate concerns.
Player Reactions
Several players weighed in on the debate. World No. 1 Iga Świątek, who has been vocal about gender equality in tennis, expressed disappointment: "It’s a shame that we don’t have the same opportunities to showcase our matches. The night sessions are a big deal, and fans deserve to see the best tennis, regardless of gender."
Meanwhile, men’s players like Daniil Medvedev acknowledged the issue but stopped short of criticizing organizers: "I understand why people are upset. The women’s game is just as exciting, and maybe the tournament could do better next year."
Historical Context
This isn’t the first time Roland Garros has faced criticism over scheduling. In 2022, Mauresmo was forced to apologize after suggesting women’s tennis lacked the "appeal and rivalries" of the men’s game. The latest controversy has reignited debates about structural biases in tennis scheduling.
Comparative Data
- Australian Open: 6 of 14 night sessions featured women’s matches in 2024.
- US Open: Historically closer to a 50-50 split in prime-time slots.
- Wimbledon: No night sessions, but equal billing in show courts.
Moving Forward
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether Mauresmo and the French Tennis Federation adjust their approach. With the women’s semifinals and finals still to come, there’s an opportunity to course-correct. For now, the debate continues, with fans and players alike calling for greater transparency and fairness in scheduling decisions.
In a final statement to the press, Mauresmo reiterated: "We hear the feedback, and we’ll take it into consideration for future tournaments. Our goal is always to deliver the best experience for everyone." Whether that translates into tangible change remains to be seen.