French Open 2026: Why are women being continually overlooked for Roland Garros night sessions?


This debate is nothing new – but nothing has changed.

In each of the past three years, questions have been raised about whether the French Open should do more to showcase the women’s game.

“I don’t think they have daughters, because I don’t think they want to treat their daughters like this,” said Jabeur.

The lack of action prompted recently appointed WTA chief executive Valerie Camillo to seek answers from French Open tournament director Amelie Mauresmo – a former women’s world number one – when they met at Roland Garros this week.

In what the WTA describes as an open and productive conversation, Camillo underlined her belief that women’s players have delivered some of the “most exciting and dynamic competition in global sport” over recent months and years.

It remains to be seen whether Camillo’s call for action is listened to.

Mauresmo has consistently argued that the danger of women’s matches going “really fast” is the justification behind the choices.

With tickets ranging from €60 to €280 (£50 to £240), tournament organisers think the possibility of a short two-set women’s match does not represent value for money.

Mauresmo has insisted the night sessions will not be extended to two matches – like the Australian Open and US Open – in fear of creating late finishes.

Will the French Open be swayed? It refused to waver last year, despite pressure from players, the women’s governing body and – according to reports, external – broadcasters.

Former world number one Osaka will meet Aryna Sabalenka – the current top women’s player – in the last 16 on Monday.

The Japanese player said she did not know if that blockbuster match would be under consideration for the night session, but added she felt the slot was reserved for “popcorn matches”.

If Osaka against Sabalenka does not fulfil the French Open’s criteria, it feels like nothing will.

“I hope it will change,” added Ostapenko.

“Even if it’s not me playing, I would like to see some women’s matches there. But I don’t know that we will.”



Source link

  • Related Posts

    Fight weekend preview: Han-Holm 2 and the return of Bivol

    Nick ParkinsonMay 28, 2026, 07:44 AM ET Close Reports on boxing for ESPN.com and has been covering British boxing for over 25 years. Multiple Authors Some of boxing’s biggest names…

    T20 Blast: Middlesex beat Sussex for first win in 2026 competition

    Middlesex won their first T20 Blast match of the season with an impressive display against Sussex at Hove, with the home side replacing them at the bottom of the South…

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    You Missed

    Meteor over Massachusetts causes explosion reports, sightings from Delaware to Montreal

    Meteor over Massachusetts causes explosion reports, sightings from Delaware to Montreal

    77-year-old leaves no crumbs, using Gen Z slang to bring attention to art gallery

    77-year-old leaves no crumbs, using Gen Z slang to bring attention to art gallery

    Dueling protests face off at New Jersey ICE detention center over detainee conditions

    Dueling protests face off at New Jersey ICE detention center over detainee conditions

    Backrooms to triple previous A24 opening weekend record at $85+ million

    Backrooms to triple previous A24 opening weekend record at $85+ million

    United Airlines Flight Diverts After Passenger Makes “Multiple” Cockpit Breach Attempts

    United Airlines Flight Diverts After Passenger Makes “Multiple” Cockpit Breach Attempts

    Edgar Morin, ‘Grandfather’ of French Intellectuals, Dies at 104

    Edgar Morin, ‘Grandfather’ of French Intellectuals, Dies at 104