Ons Jabeur has led calls for the French Open to rethink its night match scheduling policy after all 11 primetime slots were given to men. The three-time grand slam finalist described playing her quarter-final at 11am as a 'chore', adding: 'We deserve to be here.'
Tournament director Amelie Mauresmo promised last year to improve the balance, but the situation has worsened. In 2023, one women's match was scheduled at night; this year, none have been selected, despite a potential blockbuster between Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka being overlooked.
Mauresmo said Swiatek vs Osaka was considered but ultimately passed over in favour of Richard Gasquet and Jannik Sinner. She also noted that Swiatek had requested not to play at night due to routine disruption. However, critics argue that broadcasters hold the most sway in scheduling decisions.
The imbalance has raised health concerns. Jabeur pointed out that men's matches have dragged on past 1am, as seen with Novak Djokovic finishing at 3.07am. 'Who said it's healthy to play past 1am?' she asked, adding that both men and women deserve better scheduling.
Over Mauresmo's three-year tenure, 29 men's night matches have been scheduled compared to just two for women. Despite the criticism, Swiatek said she is 'fine' with daytime matches, while Mauresmo insisted her views on scheduling remain unchanged.
