“I don’t think they have daughters” – Jabeur lambasts French Open for night-session schedule
Ons Jabeur questioned entire Europe’s approach towards women’s sports amid controversy over Roland-Garros scheduling only men’s matches in popular slot
© Imago / Psnewz
Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur lambasted the French Open on Tuesday for scheduling only men’s matches during the popular night session of Court Philippe-Chatrier.
This year, the three night matches held thus far have only featured the men and Jabeur isn’t impressed.
She voiced a similar complaint last year after bowing out of Roland-Garros with a loss to Coco Gauff in the quarter-final clash scheduled at 11 in the morning. Notably, all 11 coveted night slots in 2024 saw ATP contests.
After losing 7-6 (4), 6-0 to Pole Magdalena Frech in her Roland-Garros opener on Tuesday, the Tunisian unloaded during her press conference, questioning entire Europe’s approach towards women’s sports.
“It’s still sad that we are still seeing this,” Jabeur said. “In Europe, in general, it’s unfortunate for women’s sports in general. Not for tennis but in general. 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.
“You know, 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 watch men.’ Of course they watch men more because you show men more. Everything goes together.”
She directed her rage at the French Tennis Federation (FFT) and Amazon Prime, the official broadcaster for 2025 French Open.
“It’s a shame from the Federation, a shame from the Prime, whatever called the TV, that they made such a contract like this.”
Naomi and Paula… They were supposed to be there. Like last year, Iga and Naomi was supposed to be there.”
Ons Jabeur
Further, Jabeur argued Naomi Osaka’s match-up against Paula Badosa in the ongoing first round deserved the prime-time slot, much like the Japanese’ second-round thriller against Iga Swiatek in 2024.
The 30-year-old’s remarks have come in response to FFT president Gilles Moretton claiming the schedule rests on what’s “better for spectators”.
“A lot of great players, they deserve to be there,” Jabeur noted. “One of the matches was Naomi and Paula. Such an unbelievable match. They were supposed to be there. Like last year, Iga and Naomi was supposed to be there. A lot of great matches, they should have been there. I’m not sure what kind of fans he [Gilles Moretton] is talking about. I know I’m a fan. I will watch that match.”
