The French Open's Night Sessions: A Symptom of Deeper Inequality in Tennis
There’s something deeply unsettling about the French Open’s night sessions, and it’s not just the scheduling. Year after year, the coveted primetime slots—those moments when tennis captures the largest global audience—are handed exclusively to the men. Since 2023, not a single women’s match has graced the evening stage at Roland Garros. Personally, I think this isn’t just about scheduling; it’s a reflection of how women’s tennis is systematically undervalued, even in an era where players like Naomi Osaka and Iga Świątek are redefining the sport.
The Numbers Don’t Lie—But They Only Tell Half the Story
Let’s start with the facts: out of 60 night sessions since 2021, only four have featured women. That’s a staggering 93% male dominance. What makes this particularly fascinating is the justification behind it. Tournament director Amelie Mauresmo, a former women’s world number one, argues that women’s matches are too short, offering poor value for ticket prices ranging from €60 to €280. From my perspective, this logic is flawed. If a match is thrilling, does its duration really matter? And if it does, why not schedule two matches in a night, as the Australian Open and US Open do?
The Psychological Undercurrents
What many people don’t realize is that this scheduling isn’t just about logistics—it’s about perception. When women’s matches are consistently sidelined, it sends a message: they’re less important, less exciting, less worthy of attention. Jessica Pegula’s frustration is palpable when she says it feels like “hitting her head against the wall.” Ons Jabeur’s pointed question—“Do they have daughters?”—cuts to the heart of the issue. If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t just about tennis; it’s about how society values women’s achievements.
The Players’ Perspective: A Cry for Visibility
Jelena Ostapenko, one of the few women to have played a night session, puts it beautifully: “I like to play at night… I think that’s what we all play for.” Her words highlight a universal truth—athletes thrive under the spotlight. Yet, the French Open seems determined to keep that spotlight dim for women. Naomi Osaka’s comment that she doesn’t “even associate” the tournament with night matches is telling. If a four-time Grand Slam champion feels this way, what does it say about the tournament’s priorities?
The Broader Implications: A Sport at a Crossroads
This raises a deeper question: Is tennis truly committed to equality? The WTA’s chief executive, Valerie Camillo, has called for action, but will it be enough? The French Open’s resistance to change, despite pressure from players, governing bodies, and even broadcasters, suggests a stubbornness that’s hard to ignore. In my opinion, this isn’t just about night sessions—it’s about the sport’s willingness to evolve.
A Missed Opportunity
One thing that immediately stands out is the missed opportunity here. Imagine Osaka vs. Sabalenka under the lights—a match between two of the sport’s biggest stars. Yet, the French Open seems content to reserve these moments for what Osaka calls “popcorn matches.” What this really suggests is a fear of change, a reluctance to challenge the status quo.
Looking Ahead: Will Anything Change?
Ostapenko’s hope that things will change feels almost naive. “Even if it’s not me playing, I would like to see some women’s matches there,” she says. But will the French Open listen? History suggests otherwise. What’s truly frustrating is that this isn’t a new debate—it’s been raging for years, with no meaningful progress.
Final Thoughts: A Sport Out of Step with Its Time
If you ask me, the French Open’s night session policy is a symptom of a larger problem in tennis—and in sports at large. Women’s achievements are consistently undervalued, their stories marginalized. Until that changes, moments like these will continue to feel like a step backward. Personally, I think it’s time for the French Open to wake up and realize that tennis is richer when both men and women are given their rightful place in the spotlight.
