The French Open has a gender issue that persists stubbornly. Over the last 32 straight evenings, the Grand Slam event’s prime evening timeslot on Court Philippe Chatrier remains reserved solely for men’s matches. Since the coveted night sessions launched in 2021, just 4 of 60 available slots have gone to female players – a stark disparity that has sparked renewed scrutiny from some of the game’s leading figures. The most recent women’s competition to feature on the evening lineup was in 2023, when American Sloane Stephens faced Aryna Sabalenka in the third round. Now, with the WTA’s newly appointed chief executive seeking explanations from tournament director Amélie Mauresmo, the question looms: will Roland Garros finally address this evident disparity?
The night-time inequality that remains unchanged
The inequality is impossible to dismiss. Since night sessions were launched at Roland Garros in 2021, the French Open has allocated 60 primetime matches on Court Philippe Chatrier. Of these, only four have featured women’s players – a ratio that translates to under 7 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 virtually entirely dedicated to male competitors. This structured exclusion has persisted across three consecutive years without meaningful change, despite mounting pressure from competitors and sports bodies alike.
The frustration among the sport’s elite is clear and ever more outspoken. Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam winner, expressed her confusion at the situation, admitting she does not even mentally associate the French Open with women’s night matches. Jessica Pegula, ranked number five in the world, voiced her frustration last year, describing the continuing struggle as akin to “hitting her head against the wall.” Ons Jabeur, a Wimbledon finalist twice over, asked a sharp question to tournament organisers: whether they possess daughters of their own. These are not marginal voices – they form the sport’s establishment, yet their pleas for fairness go largely ignored.
- Only four night matches for women arranged following 2021 introduction
- No matches featuring women held at night 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 coordinators are saying
Tournament director Amélie Mauresmo, herself a former world number one, has come under increasing pressure to justify the French Open’s scheduling decisions. The WTA’s recently named chief executive Valerie Camillo sought direct answers during their discussion at Roland Garros this week, emphasising that female competitors have produced some of the “most exciting and dynamic competition in global sport” in the past year or so. Mauresmo’s reply to the issues remains to be seen, though the WTA characterised their exchange as “candid and constructive,” suggesting at least a willingness to engage in discussion about the issue.
The French Open has not publicly articulated a thorough justification for the persistent exclusion of women from evening matches. Instead, the tournament has mostly functioned without tackling the fundamental question of why peak-time slots – which provide the largest television audiences across France, Europe and the United States – should be reserved almost exclusively for men’s matches. The absence of openness on this matter has only intensified scrutiny, with observers noting that the decision-making process appears to lack the accountability expected of a renowned Grand Slam event.
The pace case
One frequently mentioned justification for favouring men’s competitions in night sessions relates to match duration. Men’s singles matches at Grand Slams are played over five sets, potentially extending well into the evening, whereas women’s matches comprise three sets and typically conclude earlier. Tournament administrators have suggested that scheduling men’s matches at night enables extended broadcast periods and more dramatic finales that keep audiences engaged into late evening hours, particularly for international broadcasters seeking primetime content.
However, critics contend this reasoning is faulty and circular. The women’s game has showcased comparable dramatic tension and spectator interest in its own right, with dramatic recoveries and compelling narratives frequently enthralling viewers. Moreover, scheduling constraints can be resolved through strategic scheduling – women’s matches might be arranged in earlier evening time slots or extended through extra matches on the same evening, ensuring both competitive standards and adequate broadcasting opportunities for the sport’s female athletes.
Competitors and oversight organisations voice their concerns
The dissatisfaction amongst the sport’s key stakeholders has escalated dramatically, with top athletes and administrators speaking out more frequently about the French Open’s scheduling practices. Naomi Osaka’s frank acknowledgement that she does not “even associate” the French Open with nocturnal events underscores just how established the sidelining of women has become. Her comments embody a general view within the women’s game that the tournament has failed to recognise or recognise female talent on its most prominent venue, despite the consistent quality and appeal of women’s competition at Roland Garros.
The WTA’s action marks a considerable step up in the campaign for improvement. Newly appointed chief executive Valerie Camillo has established addressing this disparity as a key focus, meeting directly with tournament director Amelie Mauresmo to advance the cause for women’s inclusion in prime-time programming. Camillo highlighted that women competitors have delivered some of the most compelling and vibrant sporting action in global sport, a message that appeals to media outlets and fans around the world. Whether these conversations translate into real change stands as the key matter before the competition.
| Player or Official | Key statement |
|---|---|
| Naomi Osaka | Does not “even associate” the French Open with night matches |
| Jessica Pegula | Feels like she is “hitting her head against the wall” over the subject |
| Ons Jabeur | Questioned whether decision-makers “have daughters” and would treat them this way |
| Valerie Camillo (WTA) | Emphasised women’s players have delivered “most exciting and dynamic competition in global sport” |
The annoyance builds
For a considerable time, this debate has circulated without conclusion. Each tournament season brings fresh demands for equal treatment, yet the distribution of night-time slots remains persistently the same. The repetitive nature of these discussions – and the consistent failure to implement change – has diminished patience amongst players and advocates alike. What started with respectful recommendations has developed into more pointed criticism, with prominent voices challenging not just the justice of the arrangement, but the values and priorities of those administering it.
The emotional burden of this persistent exclusion cannot be understated. Players commit themselves in competing at the top tier, yet find themselves systematically denied access to the platforms that would highlight their skills to the widest possible audiences. Jelena Ostapenko, one of the few women to have experienced a night match at Roland Garros, articulated the advantages such occasions can have, noting her pleasure in competing before packed stadiums under lights. Her testimony underscores of what the women’s game could achieve if given equal opportunity.
Will transformation finally come?
The recruitment of Valerie Camillo as WTA chief executive officer has brought fresh energy into the push for parity at Roland Garros. Her meeting with tournament director Amelie Mauresmo this week represents a important juncture, with the WTA describing the conversation as “open and productive”. Camillo’s highlighting of the quality of women’s tennis – stressing the “most vibrant and compelling competition in international sport” – offers a compelling business case alongside the principled argument. Whether this signals a real watershed moment or simply another period of discussion without outcomes stays undetermined.
The burden of proof now rests with the French Open’s management to demonstrate dedication beyond mere statements. Mauresmo, a former world number one, comprehends deeply the challenges women confront in the professional game. Her standing affords her special credibility to catalyse substantive reform within the competitive framework. The next few seasons will demonstrate whether this current effort succeeds where prior calls have proved unsuccessful, or whether the pattern of inaction remains uninterrupted into another season.
- Valerie Camillo’s WTA role signals increased momentum for scheduling equality
- Amelie Mauresmo’s playing experience lends credibility for enacting transformation
- Tournament’s reaction will decide whether 2024 marks a turning point