Why Women Are Still Overlooked for French Open Night Matches

The French Open has not featured a women's night match since 2023, sparking debate over scheduling priorities and calls for change from players and officials.

French Open Night Sessions Exclude Women

Since Sloane Stephens' defeat to Aryna Sabalenka in the 2023 third round, no women's match has featured in the French Open night session.

A recurring question at the French Open is why top female players are consistently excluded from the tournament's prestigious night-time slots. The last 32 primetime sessions, designed to attract the largest audiences in France, Europe, and the US, have been exclusively allocated to men's matches.

Notably, no women's match has been scheduled at night since 2023. This absence was highlighted when four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka remarked on Saturday that she did not "even associate" the French Open with night matches.

Since the introduction of one-match night sessions in 2021, only four out of 60 slots on Court Philippe Chatrier have been assigned to women, including the upcoming night match between Casper Ruud and Joao Fonseca.

American world number five Jessica Pegula expressed frustration last year, saying she felt like she was "hitting her head against the wall" regarding this issue. Similarly, two-time Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur questioned whether the decision-makers "have daughters."

Jelena Ostapenko, the 2017 French Open women's singles champion, has also called for change. The Latvian player is among the few women to have played in a night session, specifically her 2022 second-round match against France's Alize Cornet.

"I wish women's tennis could be shown more in those spots. The men always have the priority with the scheduling, they take the most popular slots, and on bigger courts," Ostapenko told .

"I like to play at night - especially when the stadiums are full. I'm the kind of player that really enjoys it when there are a lot of fans watching and I think that's what we all play for."

Ongoing Debate and Player Reactions

This debate is longstanding but remains unresolved. For the past three years, concerns have been raised about the French Open's approach to showcasing women's tennis.

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"I don't think they have daughters, because I don't think they want to treat their daughters like this," said Jabeur.

The issue recently prompted WTA chief executive Valerie Camillo to engage with French Open tournament director Amelie Mauresmo, a former women's world number one, during this year's Roland Garros. The WTA described the meeting as open and productive.

Camillo emphasized her belief that women's players have delivered some of the "most exciting and dynamic competition in global sport" in recent months and years.

It remains uncertain whether Camillo's appeal will lead to changes.

Mauresmo has consistently defended the current scheduling, citing concerns that women's matches can conclude very quickly. With ticket prices ranging from €60 to €280 (£50 to £240), organizers argue that a brief two-set women's match may not offer sufficient value for spectators.

Mauresmo has also maintained that night sessions will not be expanded to include two matches, as seen at the Australian Open and US Open, due to fears of late finishes.

Despite pressure from players, the women's governing body, and reportedly external broadcasters, the French Open did not alter its policy last year.

Upcoming Matches and Player Perspectives

Naomi Osaka is set to face Aryna Sabalenka, the current top-ranked women's player, in the last 16 on Monday. Osaka stated she was unsure if this high-profile match would be considered for a night session but suggested that such slots are reserved for "popcorn matches."

If the match between Osaka and Sabalenka does not meet the criteria for a night session, it raises questions about what would.