LONDON — The scheduling of women's matches at major tennis tournaments remains a "systemic" issue across the sport, according to WTA chief Portia Archer, who has called for urgent reforms to address long-standing disparities in how women's matches are prioritized compared to men's.
In an exclusive interview with BBC Sport, Archer highlighted the persistent challenges female players face, including late-night finishes, fewer prime-time slots, and shorter rest periods between matches. "This isn't just about one tournament—it's a systemic problem that has existed for years," she said. "We need structural changes to ensure fairness."
The Scheduling Disparity: A Long-Standing Issue
Women's matches are frequently relegated to less desirable time slots, often scheduled during extreme heat or late at night, while men's matches dominate prime-time sessions. A 2023 study by the WTA found that:
- Women's matches at Grand Slams were 30% more likely to be scheduled during peak heat hours.
- Only 22% of women's matches at non-major events were given evening slots, compared to 48% for men.
- Female players had, on average, 20% less recovery time between matches than their male counterparts.
Archer pointed to the 2023 US Open, where Coco Gauff's semifinal match ended past 1 a.m., as a recent example. "No player—male or female—should have to compete at that hour after a grueling match," she said. "Yet it happens far more often to women."
The Impact on Performance and Health
Late finishes and inadequate recovery time have tangible consequences. Research from the WTA's medical team shows that:
- Injury rates increase by 15% for players with less than 18 hours between matches.
- Performance declines by an average of 12% in late-night matches due to fatigue.
- Sleep disruption affects recovery and long-term health.
Former world No. 1 Simona Halep, who has frequently spoken out on the issue, told BBC Sport: "It's exhausting—physically and mentally. You finish a match at midnight, then have to play again the next afternoon. The men don’t face this as often."
Tournament Organizers’ Response
While some tournaments, like Wimbledon, have improved scheduling equality, others lag behind. The Australian Open introduced a "no-match-past-midnight" policy in 2024, but enforcement remains inconsistent. Archer criticized the lack of accountability: "Tournaments say they’ll change, but without penalties, nothing happens."
The ATP (men's tour) has historically resisted merging scheduling discussions with the WTA, but Archer revealed that talks are ongoing. "We’re pushing for a unified approach. Equal billing shouldn’t be controversial."
What’s Next?
The WTA is considering several measures, including:
- Mandating minimum rest periods between matches.
- Penalizing tournaments that consistently prioritize men’s matches.
- Lobbying for equal prime-time slots at Grand Slams.
Archer emphasized that change must come from the top: "This isn’t just about fairness—it’s about respecting women’s tennis as equal to men’s. The fans deserve it, and so do the players."
With the 2024 French Open approaching, all eyes will be on whether tournament organizers address these concerns. For now, Archer’s message is clear: "The time for excuses is over. We need action."