French Open in Hot Water for Denying Night Session Spotlight to Lois Boisson
The French Open is embroiled in controversy after reports surfaced that it declined Amazon Prime’s request to feature Lois Boisson’s high-stakes match in the coveted night slot at the Court Philippe-Chatrier. Fans and sports media alike have taken to The Athletic to voice concerns about this apparent prioritization of men’s matches over women’s during these prime sessions.
An Empty Arena in Broad Daylight
On June 2, Boisson was slated to face Jessica Pegula not in the much-anticipated night session but during the day, when the arena was sparsely populated. This decision drew ire, considering Boisson’s historic achievement as the first home woman to reach the quarterfinals at Roland Garros in eight years. The seating choices left many questioning the French Tennis Federation’s (FFT) dedication to promoting women’s tennis.
A Heated Debate on Court Scheduling
The decision not only incensed fans but also stirred a heated debate within the tennis community. Amélie Mauresmo, the tournament director, defended the choice citing the longer and thus more ‘valuable’ men’s matches. “It has never been that the girls are not worthy to play at night,” Mauresmo emphasized during a press conference. Yet, critics were not appeased.
Players Join the Chorus of Discontent
Prominent players, such as Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, voiced their dissatisfaction. The recurring absence of women’s matches in night slots since 2021 has become a thorny issue. “Hopefully, we can work towards a solution,” remarked former World No. 1 Lindsay Davenport on the chronic scheduling biases, as stated in The New York Times.
An Uneven Playing Field
The French Open’s continued practice of relegating women’s matches to less popular time slots undermines the sport’s equality. Patrick Mouratoglou’s recent statement suggested that daytime matches receive higher visibility through national channels, though many remain unconvinced.
What Lies Ahead for Women’s Matches?
As Boisson, now facing off against Coco Gauff for a spot in the finals, anticipates her next match’s scheduling, the ongoing scrutiny could pressure a much-needed shift in transparency and fairness. The tennis world watches closely whether future tournaments will balance gender representation more equitably, honoring the prowess of female athletes.
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