Former world number one Amelie Mauresmo was named French Open tournament director in 2021 French Open tournament director Amelie Mauresmo has rejected accusations that not scheduling women's matches in the tournament's night session implies female players are not "worthy" of the slot. The first six night sessions at Roland Garros have all been men's singles matches. In a news conference earlier this week, two-time Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur said the decision - which is debated every year - affects the growth of women's sport. Mauresmo, a former WTA world number one, says no women's players have complained directly to her about the situation. Asked if she understood that not picking women's matches led to some women feeling "not worthy", Mauresmo replied: "That's not what we're saying. I have to stop you right there. "For me, the message that I always said, and I will repeat, is the conditions have not changed of having one unique match in the evening. "The message has never been the girls are not worthy of playing at night. It's never been this." Mauresmo still has to make a decision on which match will feature in Saturday's night session - which will clash with Paris St-Germain facing Inter Milan in the Champions League final in Munich. "The Champions League final won't change much for us anyway," she said. "We are trying to do the utmost for the tournament. We are very happy for PSG but we are organising our own event. "There will be 15,000 people here so we want to give them the best possible match." The French Open night sessions - which were introduced in 2021 - feature just one singles match on Court Philippe Chatrier. A women's singles match, played over three sets, has not been put in this primetime slot since 2023 - meaning the past 19 night-time sessions have been men's singles matches, which are played over five sets. Only four matches have been from the women's draw since they were brought in four years ago. Questions are raised every year about whether the French Open should do more to promote the women's game. Mauresmo says women's matches potentially going "really fast" is the justification behind the choices. "There is nothing new under the sun compared to the previous editions," she said. "We have one single match per night session. It hasn't changed. We won't change everything again." "Two sets can go really fast when you have three sets minimum - that's the lens for me. "It's not the level the [women] reach right now. I'm not talking about this." Mauresmo also said the tournament does not want to have two matches in the night session, like the Australian Open and US Open, in fear ofcreating late finishes. She pointed to the full crowd at Thursday night's match between French favourite Gael Monfils and British number one Jack Draper. If we have two matches in the night sessions, it doesn't work in terms of how late the players are going to finish," she said. "But if we start earlier, the stands are going to be empty in most of the first match, so we keep this one match in the evening. "It's not ideal. We cannot check every box because we have many, many things to think when we are doing these choices." Mauresmo became frustrated with the questions about the lack of women's night matches during Friday's news conference. After answering several questions about the subject, she quickly shut down another one towards the end of the half-hour event, saying she wanted to "change the subject". Earlier Mauresmo attempted to move on from the issue by implying there would be some women's matches picked over the coming days. "Maybe we talk about this on the last Sunday," she said. Mauresmo will be hoping the women's draw throws up some potential options for night matches. "We have some rivalries which are interesting â Iga [Swiatek], Coco [Gauff], Aryna [Sabalenka], Madison [Keys]," she added. "I think we are going through a very good era with interesting personalities and the level of play is very high. "The level is much higher than before. We have more of an equal footing than before."
Women are 'worthy' of French Open night sessions
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"French Open Director Defends Night Session Scheduling Amid Criticism of Women's Matches"
Bbc News
7.4
TruthLens AI Summary
Amelie Mauresmo, the French Open tournament director since 2021, has responded to criticisms regarding the absence of women's matches in the tournament's night sessions. All six night sessions held thus far have featured men’s singles matches, leading to accusations that this decision undermines the perceived worthiness of female players. In a recent news conference, two-time Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur expressed concern that such scheduling choices could hinder the growth of women's sports. Mauresmo clarified that she has not received any direct complaints from female players about the scheduling and emphasized that the decision to not include women’s matches is not a reflection of their value. She reiterated that the conditions for scheduling a single match in the evening have not changed, stating, 'The message has never been the girls are not worthy of playing at night.' Mauresmo highlighted that the tournament aims to provide the best experience for the audience, which includes a significant attendance, and that they must consider various factors when scheduling matches.
Mauresmo also addressed the rationale behind the decision to favor men’s matches, noting that women’s matches, which are played over three sets, can conclude more quickly than men’s matches, which are played over five sets. This aspect influences the tournament's choices for night session matches, as the organizers are wary of late finishes impacting the overall experience. Despite the ongoing debate, Mauresmo expressed hope that upcoming matches in the women's draw would present opportunities to showcase female players in night sessions. She mentioned potential rivalries and exciting personalities in the women's game, indicating that the level of play has significantly improved. Mauresmo's comments reflect a desire to promote women's tennis while balancing the logistical challenges of scheduling, as she aims to ensure that both players and fans have a fulfilling experience at the French Open.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The news article highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the scheduling of women's matches in the night sessions of the French Open, focusing on Amelie Mauresmo's defense of the tournament's choices. This discussion brings to light broader issues of gender equality in sports, particularly in tennis, and the perceptions of women's worthiness in high-profile events.
Representation and Worthiness
Mauresmo's comments reflect an effort to clarify that the exclusion of women's matches from prime time is not an indication of their worth. However, the fact that all six night sessions thus far have featured men's matches raises questions about the tournament's commitment to gender equality. The absence of complaints from female players directly to Mauresmo does not negate the broader implications of the decisions being made, especially as highlighted by Ons Jabeur's concerns about the growth of women's sports.
Cultural and Social Implications
The article communicates a clear narrative about the need for equal representation in sports. By not scheduling women's matches during night sessions, the tournament risks perpetuating a culture that undervalues women's contributions to the sport. This could hinder the growth of women's tennis and sports in general, as visibility is crucial for attracting fans and sponsors.
Potential Concealment of Issues
There may be underlying issues that the article does not address, such as the financial aspects of scheduling night matches, which could be influenced by viewer ratings and sponsorship deals favoring men's matches. The focus on Mauresmo’s statements may also distract from the systemic issues in sports that contribute to gender inequality.
Trustworthiness of the Article
The overall trustworthiness of the article hinges on the accuracy of the reported statements and the context surrounding them. While the article presents factual information regarding the scheduling and Mauresmo's comments, it also selectively emphasizes certain viewpoints, which could lead to an incomplete understanding of the situation.
Public Perception and Advocacy
This article likely seeks to shape public perception by advocating for women's representation in high-profile matches. The dialogue around this topic may resonate more with audiences who are already engaged in gender equality issues, particularly in sports.
Economic and Political Influence
The ramifications of this article could extend beyond sports, influencing discussions about gender equality across various sectors. If public sentiment shifts towards demanding equal representation in sports, it could motivate broader movements for equality in other fields as well.
Community Support and Target Audience
The article is likely to attract support from feminist groups, sports advocates, and those interested in equality issues, as it highlights the ongoing struggle for women's representation in a traditionally male-dominated environment.
Market Impact and Stock Relevance
While this article may not have a direct impact on stock prices, it could influence companies that sponsor events or athletes, particularly those aiming to promote gender equality. Brands that align themselves with progressive values may see increased support from consumers who care about these issues.
Geopolitical Context
In the broader context of global gender equality movements, this article fits into ongoing discussions about women's rights. The timing of this debate coincides with increasing awareness and activism surrounding gender issues worldwide.
Use of AI in News Creation
There is no explicit indication that AI was used in crafting this article, but if it were, it might have been employed to analyze trends in sports reporting or to summarize opinions surrounding gender representation. The tone and framing of the arguments could have been influenced by data-driven insights regarding public sentiment.
In conclusion, the article serves as a critical commentary on the representation of women in sports, particularly at major events like the French Open. It raises important questions about equality and the importance of visibility for female athletes, while also reflecting broader societal issues.