Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur has expressed strong disapproval regarding the minimal number of women`s matches scheduled for the coveted night sessions at the French Open (Roland-Garros).
Highlighting her criticism, Jabeur suggested that the individuals responsible for scheduling decisions “don`t have daughters,” implying a lack of understanding or consideration for female athletes. Night sessions were first introduced at the tournament in 2021.
The trend has shown a significant imbalance. Last year, all eleven night session slots were filled exclusively by men`s matches. This pattern has continued in the early days of the current tournament, with the first four night sessions also featuring only men`s contests.
Gilles Moretton, President of the French Tennis Federation, recently defended the scheduling by stating it is based on what is considered “better for spectators.”
However, Jabeur is adamant that this needs to change.
She reiterated comments she made in the previous year, stating, “My thoughts are the same as last year. It`s still sad to see this continuing. I stand by my words.”
Jabeur believes the issue is indicative of a broader challenge faced by women`s sports across Europe. She commented pointedly, “I hope whoever makes these decisions doesn`t have daughters, because I don`t believe they would want their daughters treated this way. It feels quite ironic.”
She also challenged the common justification for the scheduling imbalance: “They don`t showcase women`s sports, they don`t show women`s tennis, and then they pose the question, `but people mostly watch the men?` Of course they watch men more because you show men more. So, everything goes hand in hand.”
Jabeur described the situation as “a shame” on the part of the Federation, as well as broadcasters like Amazon Prime, for structuring contracts that perpetuate this disparity.
She argued that many top female players are deserving of the prime-time exposure offered by night sessions. As examples, she cited the recent “unbelievable match” between Naomi Osaka and Paula Badosa this year, and the clash between Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka from last year, both of which she felt should have been scheduled at night.
Responding to Moretton`s mention of spectator preference, Jabeur concluded, “I`m not sure what kind of fans he`s referring to. I know I`m a fan, and I would certainly watch that match.”
Jabeur, a two-time Wimbledon finalist, exited the tournament in the first round on Tuesday, losing 6-7, 0-6 to Magdalena Fręch of Poland.
