Iga Świątek caught in a storm. Roland Garros boss thunders
Roland Garros organizers have been putting a happy face on bad play for years. Although the tournament boasts equal prize money for men and women, when it comes to exposure, the differences are striking. Some players are bitter, while others are even happy about it. And in recent days – to the surprise of many – even Iga Świątek, a four-time Roland Garros champion, has been dragged into the affair.
The reason? Inequalities in the schedule of matches on Philippe Chatrier Court.
Let us recall that the esteemed American journalist Ben Rothenberg revealed that since 2021, as many as 45 of the 49 evening matches on Philippe Chatrier's court have been played by men. That is 92 percent of all matches in the most prestigious section. For comparison - as many as 47 of the 49 first matches of the day were played by women. 95 percent.
It's hard to call it a coincidence. Longer men's matches are more predictable in terms of the schedule and easier to sell than women's matches, which in extreme cases may not even last an hour.
Iga Świątek, when asked about this disproportion, responded diplomatically. "It doesn't bother me," she said shortly, although she noted that she noticed the differences. "I like playing during the day, it's a natural rhythm," she explained. Coco Gauff spoke in a similar tone, admitting that she doesn't like playing after men, because they can compete for an hour and a half, or maybe three and a half. Then the tennis players who play after them have to be on constant alert for a long time.
Ons Jabeur reacted in exactly the opposite way. The Tunisian did not mince her words.
"I hope the people making these decisions don't have daughters. Because no woman deserves to be treated like this. You don't show women's tennis and then you ask why no one watches it. Of course people watch men - since you only show them," the Tunisian thundered.
"A lot of great women's matches deserved to be played tonight. Naomi vs. Paula, Iga vs. Naomi... and they're going south. It's absurd," she added with regret.
The president of the French Tennis Federation, Gilles Moretton, also came under fire for openly admitting that the appeal of the match to the fans was crucial. Jabeur replied bluntly: "I'm not sure which fans he's talking about. I'm a fan. I would watch those matches too."
And that was when Amelie Mauresmo, the tournament director and former champion, came into her own. For the first time, she publicly responded to the wave of criticism.
During a special press conference she was asked directly:
— What do you think are the consequences of telling women they're not worth it (nighttime sessions — ed.)?
Mauresmo cut it off:
- That's not what we're talking about. I have to stop you here.
Rothenberg did not let up:
– How do you think this message is being received?
In response he heard:
"It's never been that girls aren't worthy of playing at night. It's never been that way. I won't accept that you're sending that message. That's really clear to me," she concluded firmly.
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