PARIS — The French Open schedule was thrown into disarray on Wednesday after rising French star Hugo Gaston was awarded a coveted primetime slot on Court Philippe-Chatrier—only to withdraw hours later due to injury, leaving tournament organizers scrambling to fill the gap.
Gaston, ranked No. 98 in the world, had been given the prestigious night session billing for his second-round match against Argentina's Tomas Martin Etcheverry. The decision to feature the 23-year-old Toulouse native—a crowd favorite at Roland Garros—ahead of higher-ranked players raised eyebrows, but tournament director Amélie Mauresmo defended the choice, citing his "electric connection with the home fans and his history of thrilling performances."
Last-Minute Withdrawal Sparks Confusion
Just four hours before the match was set to begin, Gaston announced his withdrawal due to a left wrist injury sustained during practice. "I pushed as hard as I could, but the pain is too severe," Gaston said in a statement. "Playing in front of my home crowd at night was a dream, but I can’t risk further damage."
The late scratch forced organizers to hastily rearrange the schedule, moving Stefanos Tsitsipas and Zhang Zhizhen’s match to the vacated slot. Fans who had purchased tickets specifically for Gaston’s match expressed frustration, with some demanding refunds. Tournament officials offered partial compensation but stopped short of full reimbursements, citing "the unpredictable nature of sports injuries."
Why Gaston Was Given Top Billing
Gaston’s promotion to the marquee night session—typically reserved for marquee names like Rafael Nadal or Iga Swiatek—reflected Roland Garros’ push to spotlight local talent. Key factors included:
- Past heroics: Gaston’s 2022 run to the fourth round, including a dramatic five-set win over Alex de Minaur
- Fan appeal: His flashy, drop-shot-heavy style electrifies crowds
- TV ratings: French broadcasters lobbied for homegrown stars in prime slots
Mauresmo faced criticism for bypassing higher-profile matches, including Daniil Medvedev’s straight-sets victory earlier in the day. "We stand by prioritizing narratives that resonate with our core audience," she told reporters. "Hugo represents the future of French tennis, and we wanted to give him this platform—unfortunately, circumstances intervened."
Player Reactions Mixed
Support from Peers
Several players expressed sympathy for Gaston. "Scheduling is always tricky, but injuries are part of the game," said France’s Ugo Humbert. "No one questions Hugo’s heart—he’d have played if humanly possible."
Criticism of Process
Others questioned the selection criteria. A tournament insider, speaking anonymously, revealed: "There were heated debates behind closed doors. Some argued Casper Ruud’s match against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina was the obvious choice."
What’s Next for Gaston?
Medical scans confirmed a wrist ligament strain, with Gaston’s team estimating a 3-4 week recovery. The timing jeopardizes his grass-court season preparation. "We’ll reevaluate after treatment," said coach Thierry Champion. "Wimbledon qualifying is still possible if he heals well."
Tournament Fallout
The incident has reignited debates about scheduling transparency. Former player and commentator Marion Bartoli noted: "While promoting local stars is commendable, last-minute withdrawals hurt fans and broadcasters. Perhaps reserve prime slots only for players who’ve proven they can handle the physical demands." Tournament organizers say they’ll review protocols for 2025 but emphasize that "flexibility remains essential in a two-week Grand Slam."