Women’s Sport “Not Ignored,” Says Amelie Mauresmo, But Concerns Remain

French Open tournament director Amelie Mauresmo has rejected accusations that the tournament’s decision not to schedule women’s matches in the night session implies female players are not “worthy” of the slot. The first six night sessions at Roland Garros have all been men’s singles matches, sparking debate about the promotion of women’s sport.

Mauresmo, a former WTA world number one, emphasized that the conditions for selecting matches have not changed, with only one unique match per evening session. She pointed out that women’s matches can be shorter, with two sets potentially going quickly, whereas men’s matches are played over five sets. This, she claimed, is the justification behind the choices.

However, two-time Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur expressed her concerns about the lack of women’s matches in the night session, stating that it affects the growth of women’s sport. Jabeur made an impassioned post on social media, writing that “honouring one side of the sport shouldn’t mean ignoring the other.”

Mauresmo acknowledged that the women’s game has made significant progress, with a higher level of play and interesting personalities. She expressed hope that the women’s draw would throw up some potential options for night matches, citing rivalries between top players like Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, and Madison Keys.

The tournament’s decision not to schedule women’s matches in the night session has been a topic of debate every year. Critics argue that it perpetuates the notion that women’s sport is inferior to men’s, and that it fails to capitalize on the growing popularity of women’s tennis.

Mauresmo argued that the tournament’s priority is to provide the best possible experience for the fans, and that scheduling two matches in the night session would result in late finishes and empty stands. However, this explanation has been met with skepticism by many, who point out that the Australian Open and US Open successfully schedule multiple matches in the night session without compromising the fan experience.

The French Open’s decision not to schedule women’s matches in the night session has also been criticized by some of the tournament’s own players. Jabeur’s comments sparked a wider conversation about the promotion of women’s sport, with many calling for greater recognition and support for female players.

As the tournament continues, it remains to be seen whether the French Open will make any changes to its scheduling policies. Mauresmo’s comments suggest that the tournament is committed to promoting women’s sport, but the lack of women’s matches in the night session remains a contentious issue.

In a statement, the WTA Tour said that it was “disappointed” by the French Open’s decision not to schedule women’s matches in the night session. The WTA emphasized its commitment to promoting women’s sport and providing equal opportunities for female players.

The French Open’s decision has also sparked a wider conversation about the role of women’s sport in the tennis world. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, it is clear that women’s tennis will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of the game.

Ultimately, the French Open’s decision not to schedule women’s matches in the night session raises important questions about the promotion of women’s sport and the role of women’s tennis in the tennis world. While Mauresmo’s comments suggest that the tournament is committed to promoting women’s sport, the lack of women’s matches in the night session remains a contentious issue that will continue to be debated in the coming weeks and months.