Ons Jabeur is a three-time Grand Slam finalist When Britain's Jack Draper faces Gael Monfils at the French Open on Thursday, it will once again highlight an eye-opening statistic. It's one that raises the question of whether the clay-court Grand Slam should do more to promote the women's game. Not since 2023 has a women's singles match occupied the primetime night session slot on Court Philippe Chatrier - a run stretching to 19 successive matches. In fact, since the tournament introduced night sessions in 2021, only four matches have been from the women's draw. It is a striking imbalance that hits the headlines year after year, and one which former world number two Ons Jabeur believes affects women's sport as a whole. "It's unfortunate for women's sports in general. Not for tennis, but in general," said three-time Grand Slam finalist Jabeur following her first-round exit on Tuesday. "I hope whoever is making the decision, I don't think they have daughters, because I don't think they want to treat their daughters like this. "It's a bit ironic. They don't show women's sport, they don't show women's tennis, and then they ask the question, yeah, but mostly they [viewers] watch men. Of course they watch men more because you show men more. Everything goes together." The last women's singles match to be played in the evening at Roland Garros was Aryna Sabalenka's fourth-round win over Sloane Stephens two years ago. When asked for a comment in response to Jabeur's comments, the French Tennis Federation (FFT) did not provide one. Instead it said tournament director Amelie Mauresmo would "talk about this topic shortly" with the former world number one expected to hold a news conference later this week. FFT president Gilles Moretton defended the tournament's scheduling on Monday. "Sometimes for the night session, we need to put the better match, we think could be for the spectators," said Moretton. "Maybe we will have a few, I have no idea, a few female matches on the night sessions. We'll see. Depends on the schedule, who is playing who, which will be the best match." In Wednesday's night session at Roland Garros, Danish men's 12th seed Holger Rune takes on American world number 137 Emilio Nava. Earlier in the day, Poland's four-time French Open championIga Swiatek beat Britain's Emma Raducanu- a US Open champion in 2021 - before Belarusian top seed Sabalenka's match against Jil Teichmann. Since 2021, of the 44 matches to take place under the lights of Court Philippe Chatrier, only four have been women's singles encounters: 2021 -Serena Williams'first-round win overIrina-Camelia BeguandSwiatek'sfourth-round victory againstMarta Kostyuk 2022 -Alize Cornet'ssecond-round win overJelena Ostapenko 2023 -Sabalenka'sfourth-round win againstStephens The WTA said: "The WTA encourages all combined tournaments to provide a balanced match schedule that showcases the best of both women's and men's tennis - and in premium scheduling slots. "The current generation and depth of talent in women's tennis is extraordinary, and fans deserve and also expect the opportunity to witness the elite performance, athleticism and excitement of these top-tier match-ups on the sport's biggest stages." On Tuesday,Swiatek emphasised her preference for playing during the day. "Every year we talk about it. My position didn't change. I like playing days, so I'm happy that I'm done and I can have a longer rest," she said. American second seed Coco Gauffsuggested the evening session could be contested by more women, but echoed Swiatek's position of not wanting to play too late. "I think if there is only going to be one match at 8:15pm, maybe there could be a women's match," said Gauff. "But if they want to start the night session at 8:15pm, I'm sure most girls on tour would rather not play after a men's match and have to go on at 11pm or 12am." Discussion about the gender imbalance in the French Open night sessions has been an annual theme over the past few years. So why has nothing changed? Because, despite the pressure, Roland Garros organisers don't want it to. There is only one match in the primetime slot, which is shown across France on Amazon Prime. The strategy differs to the Australian Open and US Open, which both put on two night matches - but then run the risk of stretching play late into the early hours of the following morning. Having just one match is the chief factor highlighted by tournament director Amelie Mauresmo - a former women's world number one - when defending her choices. She fears the shorter three-set format of the women's game could lead to fans not getting enough value for money.
'I don't think they have daughters' - French Open night session debate reignites
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Debate Over Gender Imbalance in French Open Night Sessions Intensifies"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
The ongoing debate over the scheduling of women's matches at the French Open has reignited as statistics reveal a glaring imbalance in the tournament's night session slots. Since the introduction of night sessions in 2021, only four women's singles matches have been featured, with the last occurring in 2023. This trend has prompted criticism from players like Ons Jabeur, a three-time Grand Slam finalist, who argues that the lack of visibility for women's tennis reflects a broader disregard for women's sports. Jabeur expressed her disappointment following her first-round exit, stating that decision-makers at the tournament likely do not have daughters, implying that they might be more inclined to support women's sports if they did. The French Tennis Federation (FFT) has yet to provide a substantial response to these concerns, instead indicating that tournament director Amelie Mauresmo would discuss the issue in an upcoming press conference.
FFT president Gilles Moretton defended the scheduling decisions, suggesting that the best matches for spectators are prioritized, regardless of gender. However, this has not alleviated the concerns raised by players and the WTA, which advocates for a more balanced match schedule that showcases both women's and men's tennis during premium slots. While players like Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff have expressed their preferences regarding match timings, the overarching issue remains that the French Open's single night match format contrasts with other Grand Slam tournaments that feature multiple night matches. This difference has led to a perception that Roland Garros is resistant to change, despite ongoing discussions and pressure for increased representation of women's matches in prime time. The situation raises important questions about equity in sports and the visibility of female athletes in high-profile tournaments.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article brings attention to the ongoing debate regarding gender inequality in sports, particularly at the French Open tennis tournament. It highlights a significant discrepancy in the scheduling of women's matches during the night sessions, which raises questions about the promotion of women's sports. The remarks made by Ons Jabeur reflect broader concerns about the visibility and treatment of women in athletics.
Gender Disparity in Sports Coverage
The piece outlines the stark reality that no women's singles matches have been featured in the night session since 2023, despite multiple night matches occurring. This lack of representation is pointed out by Jabeur, who suggests that decision-makers may not fully appreciate the implications of their scheduling choices. Her comments suggest that a more equitable approach to match scheduling could foster greater interest in women's tennis.
Responses from the French Tennis Federation
The article notes that the French Tennis Federation (FFT) has not directly addressed Jabeur's comments but indicated that their tournament director will discuss this topic soon. FFT president Gilles Moretton defended the current scheduling practices by emphasizing the need to select matches that they believe will attract spectators. This response might be perceived as dismissive of the concerns raised, potentially aggravating the situation.
Public Sentiment and Impact
The article is likely aiming to resonate with audiences who advocate for gender equality in sports. By highlighting Jabeur's comments, it seeks to spark a conversation about the need for better representation of women's sports, not only in tennis but across various athletic disciplines. The sentiment expressed may mobilize public support for a change in scheduling practices, emphasizing that increased visibility for women's sports could lead to higher viewership and interest.
Potential Consequences for the Sport
Following this coverage, there could be significant implications for the FFT and the French Open. If public pressure mounts, it might compel the organizers to reconsider their approach to match scheduling in future tournaments. This could lead to increased visibility for women's matches and, potentially, a shift in how women's sports are perceived and valued.
Community Support and Engagement
The article seems to target individuals and communities advocating for women's rights and equality in sports. It is likely to resonate especially with female athletes and their supporters, who are increasingly vocal about inequities in sports coverage.
Broader Economic and Political Effects
While the immediate focus is on tennis, this discussion feeds into larger societal debates regarding gender equality and representation in various sectors. The implications of this issue could extend beyond sports into economic realms, influencing sponsorships, endorsements, and overall public investment in women's athletics.
Influence on Market Dynamics
The article might indirectly affect companies and sponsors associated with tennis and women's sports, as increased attention could lead to shifts in investment strategies. Brands focused on promoting gender equality may benefit from aligning with initiatives that support women's visibility in sports.
Global Relevance
In the larger context of global gender dynamics, this story aligns with ongoing discussions about women's rights and representation in various fields. The timing of such debates reflects a growing awareness and demand for equality on an international scale.
The article does not appear to utilize artificial intelligence in its construction, as it presents a straightforward journalistic approach. However, the framing of Jabeur's comments might reflect a narrative strategy that emphasizes emotional resonance and calls for change.
Overall, the article conveys a critical message about the treatment of women's sports, revealing an underlying call for equity and representation that is increasingly relevant today. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by women in sports and the need for systemic change.