Thirty-two nights and counting: French Open’s women problem

The French Open has a gender issue that refuses to go away. For the past 32 straight evenings, the Grand Slam event’s prime evening timeslot on Court Philippe Chatrier has been reserved exclusively for men’s matches. Since the coveted night sessions launched in 2021, only four of 60 scheduling slots have gone to women competitors – a stark disparity that has sparked renewed scrutiny from some of the sport’s biggest names. The last women’s match to feature on the evening lineup occurred in 2023, when American Sloane Stephens faced Aryna Sabalenka in the third round. Now, with the WTA’s newly appointed head official seeking explanations from event organiser Amélie Mauresmo, the matter remains: will Roland Garros at last tackle this evident disparity?

The after-dark disparity that endures

The inequality is difficult to ignore. Since night sessions were introduced at Roland Garros in 2021, the French Open has allocated 60 prime-time fixtures on Court Philippe Chatrier. Of these, merely four have featured women’s players – a ratio that amounts to less than seven per cent representation. The remaining 56 slots have gone to the men’s draw, ensuring that the tournament’s most profitable broadcasting window and biggest audiences are almost exclusively dedicated to male competitors. This structured exclusion has continued across three consecutive years without significant progress, despite increasing demands from players and governing bodies alike.

The discontent among the sport’s elite is clear and ever more outspoken. Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, expressed her confusion at the situation, admitting she does not even consciously link the French Open with women’s night matches. Jessica Pegula, currently ranked fifth in the world, voiced her frustration last year, describing the persistent fight as akin to “hitting her head against the wall.” Ons Jabeur, a Wimbledon finalist twice over, asked a sharp question to tournament decision-makers: whether they possess daughters of their own. These are hardly insignificant voices – they embody the sport’s core, yet their demands for equality go largely ignored.

• Only four night matches for women arranged since 2021 introduction
• No women’s matches played after dark following Stephens vs Sabalenka in 2023
• WTA CEO Camillo recently met with director of the tournament Mauresmo
• Jelena Ostapenko calls for greater visibility for women during primetime hours

What the organisers are stating

Tournament director Amélie Mauresmo, herself a ex-world number one, has come under increasing pressure to defend the French Open’s scheduling decisions. The WTA’s newly appointed chief executive Valerie Camillo requested clear responses during their meeting at Roland Garros earlier this week, stressing that women’s players have delivered some of the “most engaging and vibrant competition in global sport” in recent months and years. Mauresmo’s response to these concerns has yet to emerge, though the WTA characterised their exchange as “open and productive,” suggesting at least a readiness to participate in discussion about the matter.

The French Open has not publicly articulated a comprehensive rationale for the persistent exclusion of women from evening matches. Instead, the tournament has largely operated without addressing the core issue of why primetime slots – which offer the biggest TV viewership across France, Europe and the United States – should be allocated almost exclusively for male competition. The lack of transparency on this issue has only intensified criticism, with observers pointing out that the process for making decisions appears to lack the accountability expected of a renowned Grand Slam event.

The speed case

One frequently mentioned rationale for prioritising men’s competitions in night sessions relates to match duration. Men’s singles matches at Grand Slams are played over five sets, possibly running well into the evening, whereas women’s matches consist of three sets and typically conclude earlier. Tournament administrators have indicated that arranging men’s matches at night enables extended broadcast periods and more dramatic finales that maintain viewer interest into late evening hours, particularly for international broadcasters pursuing primetime content.

However, critics contend this reasoning is problematic and circular. The women’s game has showcased similar levels of excitement and audience appeal in its own right, with exciting turnarounds and engaging storylines frequently enthralling viewers. Moreover, scheduling constraints can be resolved through strategic scheduling – women’s matches might be arranged in earlier evening time slots or expanded via additional rounds on the same evening, ensuring both competitive integrity and adequate broadcasting opportunities for the sport’s women competitors.

Players and governing bodies express their views

The frustration amongst the sport’s leading figures has escalated dramatically, with top athletes and administrators increasingly vocal about the French Open’s timetabling arrangements. Naomi Osaka’s frank acknowledgement that she does not “even associate” the French Open with night matches underscores just how established the exclusion of women has become. Her comments reflect a wider feeling within the women’s game that the tournament has neglected to acknowledge or celebrate women’s abilities on its most prominent venue, despite the reliable standard and entertainment value of women’s matches at Roland Garros.

The WTA’s action represents a substantial step up in the drive for reform. Newly appointed chief executive Ms Camillo has established addressing this gap as a priority, engaging with tournament director Amelie Mauresmo to advance the case for women’s representation in peak-time slots. She stressed that women competitors have produced some of the most thrilling and vibrant contests in international sport, a message that appeals to broadcasters and audiences globally. Whether such talks lead to concrete action stands as the crucial matter before the competition.

The annoyance mounts

For years, this debate has circulated without agreement. Each competitive season brings renewed calls for fairness, yet the assignment of evening fixtures remains largely unaltered. The repetitive nature of these discussions – and the consistent failure to implement change – has diminished patience amongst competitors and supporters alike. What commenced with respectful recommendations has evolved into more pointed criticism, with leading figures questioning not just the justice of the system, but the standards and objectives of those overseeing it.

The emotional burden of this ongoing exclusion cannot be understated. Players dedicate their professional lives in competing at the top tier, yet find themselves systematically denied access to the venues that would highlight their skills to the widest possible audiences. Jelena Ostapenko, one of the few women to have played in a night match at Roland Garros, described the beneficial effects such occasions can have, noting her enjoyment of playing before packed stadiums under lights. Her testimony serves as evidence of what the women’s game could achieve if afforded the same opportunities.

Will change finally come?

The selection of Valerie Camillo as WTA chief executive has generated renewed impetus into the campaign for equality at Roland Garros. Her talks with tournament director Amelie Mauresmo this week marks a significant moment, with the WTA portraying the conversation as “open and productive”. Camillo’s focus on the calibre of women’s tennis – highlighting the “most exciting and dynamic competition in global sport” – presents a strong commercial argument in addition to the moral argument. Whether this constitutes a genuine turning point or merely another period of discussion without outcomes stays undetermined.

The burden of proof now lies with the French Open’s management to prove dedication beyond mere statements. Mauresmo, herself a former world number one, understands intimately the barriers women encounter in the professional game. Her role provides her with special credibility to drive genuine transformation within the competitive framework. The coming years will reveal whether this latest intervention prevails where previous appeals have proved unsuccessful, or whether the pattern of inaction continues unbroken into subsequent years.

• Valerie Camillo’s WTA appointment signals increased momentum for equal scheduling
• Amelie Mauresmo’s tennis background lends authority for implementing change
• Tournament’s approach will decide whether 2024 represents a pivotal juncture