Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur has criticised French Open organisers for failing to schedule women’s matches during the tournament’s high-profile night sessions, accusing decision-makers of neglecting women’s sport.
Since night sessions were introduced at Roland-Garros in 2021, there has been a stark gender imbalance. Last year, all 11 night matches featured men, and this year’s first four evening slots have again exclusively showcased men’s matches.
“I said it last year and I’ll say it again—it’s sad we’re still seeing this,” Jabeur said. “I don’t think the people making these decisions have daughters, because I doubt they’d want their daughters to be treated this way.”
The French Tennis Federation president, Gilles Moretton, recently defended the scheduling by claiming it’s based on what’s “better for spectators.” But Jabeur challenged that logic, calling out broadcasters and tournament organisers for reinforcing a cycle of bias.
“They say fans mostly watch men’s matches—but of course they do, because that’s what gets shown more often,” she said. “It’s ironic and unfair.”
Jabeur also expressed disappointment that blockbuster women’s matches—such as Naomi Osaka vs Paula Badosa this year or Iga Swiatek vs Osaka last year—were overlooked for night sessions, despite their high entertainment value.
“A lot of great women players deserve to be featured,” Jabeur insisted. “I know I’m a fan, and I would definitely watch those matches.”
Jabeur, a two-time Wimbledon finalist, suffered a shock first-round exit at Roland-Garros this week, losing 6-7, 0-6 to Poland’s Magdalena Fręch. But even in defeat, she’s using her platform to speak up for gender equity in tennis.
“It’s not just tennis—it’s women’s sports in general that are being sidelined. That needs to change,” she said.
