Night games of the French Open: Women hardly taken into account - now it will be loud!

Night games of the French Open: Women hardly taken into account - now it will be loud!

Paris, Frankreich - The discussion about the unequal distribution of night games at the French Open ensures considerable turmoil. While almost 50 games have been played in the Stade of Roland Garros since the introduction of the evening session in 2021, only four of these games are in women's account. This mismatch has been given broad attention in the past few days after Gilles Moretton, the President of the French Tennis Federation, said that only "interesting matches" would be set for the audience. This statement led to violent criticism, especially players like ONS Jabeur, who address the topic directly and indicate the inactivity of the decision -makers.

Jabeur emphasizes that one should ask yourself whether the decision -makers would treat their own daughters in such a way and emphasize that talented players also have the right to play on large stages like men. Specifically, she gave an example: The match between Naomi Osaka and Paula Badosa should have taken place in an evening game, instead of a less exciting duel between Jannik Sinner and Arthur Rinderknech.

criticism of the night games

The uncomfortable distribution of the games not only raises ethical questions, but also have practical reasons. In an interview, Moretton emphasized that the organizers have to prioritize the best for sport and not for television. Nevertheless, the impression arose that male players are systematically preferred. The numbers have worsened since 2021: In 2022 there were only 1 women's match, 2023 not a single one and in 2024 no women's match in the night session.

A total of only four women's matches took place of the 47 games that took place on the Court Philippe-Chatrier. Amelie Mauresmo, the tournament director, also confirmed this sad record and was annoyed by the constant inquiries on this topic. The reasoning is that women's matches are only played over two winning rates, which may end to end faster and disappoint the spectators.

spectator interests and the role of the media

Another critical point are the time guidelines for the evening games. The organizers are reluctant to play two games in one night, as this could possibly end too late. In this regard, Mauresmo emphasizes that Late-in a television contract with Amazon Prime is only one game at the best broadcast time, which strengthens the focus on men's tennis.

In addition, in Paris, large advertising posters only show men, which further influences the perception and interest of the audience. Players like Iga świątek and Coco Gauff have also said in the past about the unequal media reporting, whereby many female athletes would rather play in daily sessions where the viewers are more present.

Moretton indicated that women's matches may also be played in the night session, but there are no concrete commitments. In a year in which fewer French players are represented in the tournament field than male, the possibilities for female athletes are all the more on the brink. France has a total of 27 players in the main field this year, including 18 men and only 9 women.

Current developments and the associated debates about gender justice in tennis throw a bright light on the challenges with which women are confronted in this sport. The goal must be to promote equality on the pitch so that all players, regardless of their gender, are offered deserved recognition and stages.