PARIS — Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur has launched a scathing attack on French Open organizers, accusing them of unfair scheduling and a lack of consideration for players' well-being after her third-round match was delayed due to rain and pushed into a late-night finish.
The world No. 9, a three-time Grand Slam finalist, expressed her frustration in a fiery post-match press conference following her 6-3, 6-2 loss to Clara Tauson. Jabeur, who had been scheduled to play earlier in the day, was forced to wait hours before finally taking the court after 10 p.m. local time. "This is a Grand Slam, not some small tournament. We deserve better," she fumed.
Late-Night Match Sparks Outrage
Jabeur’s match was one of several affected by persistent rain delays at Roland Garros, but her criticism centered on what she perceived as poor prioritization by tournament officials. While some matches were moved to indoor courts, others—including hers—were left waiting outdoors. "Why wasn’t my match moved earlier or given priority? It’s unacceptable," she said.
The Tunisian, a fan favorite known for her sportsmanship, rarely voices public complaints, making her outburst particularly striking. She highlighted the physical and mental toll of the delay, stating, "I was ready to play at 11 a.m., and then I’m waiting all day. This is not professional."
Organizers Defend Scheduling Decisions
French Open tournament director Amélie Mauresmo responded to the criticism, explaining that logistical constraints and the sheer number of matches made rescheduling difficult. "We do our best to accommodate all players, but weather disruptions are always challenging," she said in a statement.
However, Jabeur wasn’t alone in her frustration. Other players, including men’s world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz, also faced late finishes, with his match ending close to 1 a.m. Tennis analysts have pointed out recurring issues at Roland Garros:
- Lack of sufficient covered courts
- Inconsistent prioritization of matches
- Minimal consideration for player recovery time
A Growing Pattern of Complaints
This isn’t the first time the French Open has faced backlash over scheduling. Last year, Novak Djokovic criticized organizers after his quarterfinal was pushed to a late-night slot, calling it "a disaster for players and fans." The tournament has yet to implement a night session curfew, unlike other Grand Slams.
Jabeur’s comments have reignited debates about player welfare in tennis, particularly at majors where weather disruptions are common. "We’re not machines. We need rest, proper preparation—this affects our health," she emphasized.
What’s Next for Jabeur?
Despite the controversy, Jabeur remains focused on her season, with Wimbledon—where she reached the final in 2022 and 2023—looming as a major target. "I’ll use this anger to come back stronger," she vowed.
Meanwhile, the French Open’s handling of scheduling may prompt further scrutiny from the WTA and ATP. Player council representatives have hinted at discussions about stricter guidelines for match delays at Slams.
As the dust settles, Jabeur’s outburst has underscored a broader issue in tennis: the balance between tournament logistics and athlete welfare. "Something has to change," she said. "Or players will keep suffering."