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Frustration Surrounds Persistent Imbalance in French Open Match Scheduling
An enduring debate over the scheduling of women's matches during evening sessions at the French Open has stirred controversy this year. Amelie Mauresmo, the tournament director, has voiced her irritation towards recurring discussions on the matter.
"We seem to be answering the same questions each year," said Mauresmo during a Paris press conference, addressing the issue that has perturbed the former world-class player annually.
Since implementing night sessions at Stade Roland Garros in 2018, debates have raged regarding the paucity of women's matches scheduled for the evening. In 2021 alone, 47 matches graced Court Philippe-Chatrier during the nighttime, with only four of those being women's matches, such as Carlos Alcaraz's showdown against Damir Dzumhur on Friday evening.
Controversy escalated when Ons Jabeur, a Tunisian player, sharply criticized the scheduling. "I believe those making these decisions do not have daughters, for I cannot fathom they would treat their own daughters in this fashion," Jabeur commented. She argued that numerous worthy players should be accorded an opportunity to perform on such a prestigious stage.
While discussing the rationale behind this disparity, Mauresmo pointed out the brief length of women's matches played over two consecutive winning sets, explaining it might not satisfy viewers seeking extended tennis action for their pricey tickets.
Suggestions such as scheduling a women's match alongside a men's match or starting the night session earlier were dismissed by Mauresmo due to France's Television contract with Amazon Prime, which restricts prime-time broadcasting to only one match. Amazon Prime primarily focuses on men's tennis and features only male tennis professionals in advertising posters in Paris.
Mauresmo also defended the French tendency to arrive late at the stadium after work and dinner, suggesting an earlier start and two matches per session could be impractical in the context of the French lifestyle. Questions regarding the message conveyed by focusing on men's events instead of women's at peak television hours were met with an indifferent shrug by the tournament director.
Source: ntv.de, dbe/dpa
- French Open
- Tennis
The issue of fewer women's matches being scheduled during evening sessions at the French Open, a renowned tennis tournament, continues to be a contentious topic among players and tournament officials. (French Open, tennis)
Amelie Mauresmo, the tournament director, highlighted the length of women's matches as a potential reason for their underrepresentation in the evening schedule. (sports, tennis)
