PARIS — French Open tournament director Amélie Mauresmo has dismissed criticism over the lack of women's matches in the night sessions at Roland Garros, insisting that female players are "absolutely worthy" of the prime-time slot but that scheduling decisions are based on "match appeal."
Controversy Over Night Session Selections
The 2024 French Open has sparked debate after only one women's match was scheduled for the night session in the first nine days of the tournament. Mauresmo, a former world No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion, defended the selections, stating: "We've tried to put matches that we think are the most attractive for the public, for the fans. It doesn't mean that women's tennis is less attractive—it's just different."
The scheduling disparity became a focal point when defending champion Iga Świątek voiced her frustration, saying: "It's a little bit disappointing and surprising... because I thought women's tennis was getting more popular." Other players, including Ons Jabeur and Coco Gauff, also questioned the imbalance.
Mauresmo's Justification
Mauresmo explained that the decision was not a reflection of the women's game's quality but rather a matter of matchups and star power. She highlighted:
- Men's matches often feature best-of-five sets, providing longer entertainment.
- Certain men's players, like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, draw larger audiences.
- The tournament aims to balance fairness with commercial appeal.
However, critics argue that the lack of women's night matches reinforces a perception of inequality. Tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg noted: "When you consistently relegate women to daytime slots, it sends a message that their matches are secondary."
Historical Context
This is not the first time the French Open has faced scrutiny over gender equity. In 2022, Mauresmo drew backlash after saying men's matches had "more appeal" due to their "star power." The tournament later adjusted its approach, but the 2024 selections suggest the issue persists.
Player Reactions
Świątek, a three-time Roland Garros champion, emphasized that women's matches deserve equal billing: "We are working just as hard, and our matches can be just as exciting. It's about giving us the same opportunities."
Gauff, the 2022 runner-up, added: "Fans love women's tennis. If they don't see us at night, how will that change?"
Looking Ahead
Mauresmo acknowledged the feedback and hinted at possible adjustments in future tournaments: "We hear the players, and we’ll review our approach. The goal is always to celebrate tennis in all its forms."
The debate reflects broader discussions in sports about gender equity. While progress has been made—such as equal prize money at Grand Slams—scheduling and visibility remain contentious issues.
Conclusion
The French Open's night session controversy underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing commercial interests with fairness. As Mauresmo stated: "Women’s tennis is absolutely worthy. But we must also consider what excites the fans." The hope is that future tournaments will find a better equilibrium.