Roland Garros: the red clay, the baguettes, the berets, and—if you’re a women’s tennis player—the distinct privilege of never needing to worry about playing under the bright lights of a night session. Yes, as the sun sets over Paris, the men take center stage, while the women’s matches are left to bask in the gentle glow of…well, breakfast.
The Numbers Don’t Lie (But They Do Groan)
Since the French Open introduced night sessions in 2021, the scheduling has been about as balanced as a toddler on a tightrope. Out of 44 singles night matches on the main stage, only four have featured women’s matches. In 2024, the tally was a resounding 11 men’s matches to zero for women. The last time a women’s singles match graced the night slot was in 2023—a streak now stretching over 19 consecutive men’s matches.
Why the Disparity?
Tournament officials claim it’s all about giving spectators the “most compelling” matches, which, in their eyes, apparently means men’s matches. The logic? Men’s matches are longer, potentially more dramatic, and—let’s be honest—organizers seem to think that’s what the paying public wants after a long Parisian day of cheese and wine. As one official put it, “We must consider what might enhance the experience for spectators. That’s why we occasionally have to make certain decisions”. (Translation: “Sorry, ladies, but the men are the main event. Maybe next year. Or the year after. Or…”)
What Do the Players Say?
Female players aren’t exactly thrilled. Ons Jabeur, ever the diplomat, pointed out the irony: “They don’t broadcast women’s sports or tennis, yet they wonder why audiences predominantly watch men. Naturally, viewers will favour men more because that’s what is prominently shown. It’s all interconnected”. Billie Jean King, never one to mince words, warned, “If we keep treating us (women) like second-class citizens, we will stay second-class citizens”. Ouch.
Are the Complaints Justified?
Let’s review:
- Visibility: Women’s matches are rarely scheduled for the night session, meaning less exposure to prime-time audiences
- Prestige: The night slot is the marquee event. Not featuring women sends a message—intended or not—about their value in the sport
- Opportunity: The more you showcase women’s tennis, the more fans it gains. The current approach is like refusing to water a plant, then wondering why it doesn’t grow
So yes, the complaints are justified. It’s not just about fairness; it’s about growing the sport and giving young girls someone to cheer for after bedtime
A Slightly Humerous Solution
Maybe the organizers are just worried about the French Open’s electricity bill. Or perhaps they believe women’s matches are so electrifying, they’d blow the fuses if played at night. Either way, it’s time to let women play after dark. Who knows? Maybe the Parisian moonlight will inspire a new era of epic three-setters and dramatic comebacks.
Until then, women’s tennis fans will have to keep setting their alarms for those early morning matches—because at Roland Garros, the night still belongs to the boys.