French Open Scheduling Frustrations Mount

PARIS — American tennis star Jessica Pegula has voiced her frustration over the French Open's scheduling disparities, comparing the annual plea for more women's matches in prime-time night sessions to "hitting her head against the wall." The world No. 5's comments highlight an ongoing debate about gender equality in tennis scheduling, particularly at Roland Garros.

The French Open, one of tennis' four Grand Slam tournaments, has faced criticism in recent years for disproportionately featuring men's matches in its coveted night sessions. Since introducing night sessions in 2021, Roland Garros has scheduled just four women's matches out of 20 total night sessions—a mere 20% representation despite equal prize money and prestige.

The Scheduling Imbalance

Pegula's frustration stems from what many see as institutional bias. "Every year we have this conversation, and every year nothing changes," Pegula told reporters after her third-round victory. "It's exhausting."

The numbers tell a stark story:

  • 2021: 1 women's match out of 10 night sessions
  • 2022: 2 women's matches out of 10 night sessions
  • 2023: 1 women's match out of 10 night sessions
French Open tournament director Amélie Mauresmo, a former women's world No. 1, faced backlash last year after admitting she prioritized men's matches for night sessions because she found them "more appealing."

Player Reactions and Pushback

Pegula isn't alone in her criticism. World No. 1 Iga Świątek, a three-time French Open champion, has repeatedly called for change. "We deserve the same opportunities to showcase our game," Świątek said.

The scheduling disparity becomes particularly glaring when considering:

  • Women's matches often feature more competitive, unpredictable contests
  • Women's matches tend to be shorter, fitting better in broadcast windows
  • Top women's stars like Świątek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Coco Gauff have massive global followings
"This isn't about demanding special treatment—it's about equal treatment," Pegula emphasized.

Tournament Defenses

French Open organizers point to several factors in their defense:

  • Best-of-five-set men's matches theoretically offer more "value" for ticket buyers
  • Historical TV ratings showing slightly higher viewership for men's matches
  • The challenge of scheduling women's matches without knowing which players will advance
However, critics counter that these arguments:
  • Ignore the entertainment value of women's tennis
  • Create a self-fulfilling prophecy by not giving women's matches prime exposure
  • Contradict the tournament's stated commitment to gender equality

The Broader Context

The French Open isn't alone in facing these criticisms. The Australian Open has made strides in recent years toward more balanced scheduling, while Wimbledon maintains relatively equal representation. The US Open leads the pack, with women regularly featured in prime-time slots at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Tennis legend Billie Jean King weighed in on social media: "It's 2024. Women's tennis is as compelling as men's. The excuses need to stop. #EqualOpportunity"

Potential Solutions

Several solutions have been proposed to address the imbalance:

  • Implementing a minimum quota for women's night matches
  • Scheduling more women's quarterfinals in prime time
  • Creating double-header night sessions featuring one men's and one women's match
  • Developing better metrics for match appeal beyond just star power

Looking Ahead

As the 2024 tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether organizers make adjustments. With Pegula, Świątek, and other top players continuing to speak out, pressure is mounting for meaningful change. "We're not going away," Pegula warned. "This conversation will keep happening until something changes."