French Open Under Fire for Gender Inequality in Tennis Scheduling and Attendances

The French Open faced criticism from women’s tennis star Ons Jabeur following her quarter-final defeat to Coco Gauff on Tuesday. Played during the early morning hours on Court Philippe-Chatrier, the match was poorly attended despite being a crucial stage in the tournament.

Jabeur expressed her frustration with the scheduling, stating that she believed women deserved to play in front of larger crowds during the afternoon when stadiums are typically more crowded. She also voiced disappointment in the lack of women’s matches in evening sessions, with all ten standalone night matches featuring men’s matches.

The issue of scheduling and attendances for women’s matches at the French Open has been a topic of debate for years. Tournament director Amelie Mauresmo previously stated that men’s matches were chosen for night sessions because they had greater appeal. Despite promises to create a more equal schedule, this year’s French Open continued the trend of featuring only men’s matches in evening sessions.

Defending champion Iga Swiatek took a different approach to Jabeur and did not criticize the schedule after her quarter-final victory. Swiatek stated that she was comfortable playing during the day when conditions were quicker. However, Jabeur and Swiatek differed in their opinions on scheduling and attendances for women’s matches at the French Open.

Despite differing opinions among players, it is clear that scheduling and attendances for women’s matches at the French Open remain an important issue that needs to be addressed to ensure fairness and equality for all players involved.