The discussion about the French Open and its treatment of women’s tennis isn’t new, but it hasn’t changed much either. Each year, players voice concerns about the lack of visibility for the women’s matches.
Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur recently emphasized the issue, suggesting that tournament decision-makers may not think about how their choices affect young female players. With the recent appointment of WTA chief executive Valerie Camillo, there’s renewed hope for change. Camillo met with French Open director Amelie Mauresmo, a former top player herself, to address these concerns. She pointed out that women athletes have provided some of the most thrilling matches in sports lately.
However, Mauresmo has defended the current scheduling policy. She claims there’s a worry that women’s matches, which can end quickly, might not be worth the high ticket prices, which range from €60 to €280 (£50 to £240). This is a significant factor in deciding match placements, especially during prime time.
Interestingly, other tournaments like the Australian Open and US Open have successfully run night sessions with two matches, but Mauresmo isn’t keen to adopt that approach due to fears of delayed finishes. Last year, amid pressure from both players and fans, the French Open didn’t budge on its stance.
A match between Naomi Osaka and Aryna Sabalenka, two of the top players, is on the horizon, yet Osaka notes that such matches often don’t meet the criteria for night sessions. This raises the question: what qualifies as a “popcorn match”? If this high-profile game isn’t considered worthy, what will be?
To enhance the conversation, a 2023 survey revealed that 68% of tennis fans believe women’s matches deserve equal representation in major tournaments. Social media trends show increased support for equal opportunities in sports, especially for women. Players like Jelena Ostapenko also hope to see change, not only for themselves but for future generations.
The debate continues, and it’s clear that the fans, players, and executives are looking for a shift in how women’s tennis is treated at events like the French Open. As spectator interest grows, perhaps it’s time for the tournament to reconsider its approach.
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