• Loading stock data...
Monday, October 6, 2025

French Open Scheduling Sparks Backlash Over Women’s Time Slots

Former world No. 2 Ons Jabeur brought up the difference in night-game scheduling at the French Open during a press conference Wednesday.

Susan Mullane-Imagn Images

The first week of the 2025 French Open has been shrouded in off-court controversy regarding the tournament’s schedule. 

Former world No. 2 Ons Jabeur said Wednesday that the French Open needs to have “better scheduling,” calling it “sad” that the men’s matches get a lion’s share of the primetime slots (8:15 p.m. local time) at the Court Philippe-Chatrier, the center court at Roland-Garros. Since 2021, only four of 44 night matches have been women’s matches. 

“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,” Jabeur said.

Jabeur also called out the French Tennis Federation and Amazon Prime, the tournament’s local media partner.

A day later, current world No. 2 Coco Gauff agreed with Jabeur, saying, “Women’s matches are worthy of a night spot.” 

On Friday, Jabeur doubled down on her criticism of the tournament with a post on X

“No one’s denying the greatness in men’s tennis. … But honoring one side of the sport shouldn’t mean ignoring the other,” Jabeur’s statement read, in part.

Tournament’s Explanation

Amélie Mauresmo, the tournament director and former world No. 1, defended the scheduling decision in a contentious press conference Friday, pointing to the difference in match length as the reason for placing mostly men’s games in prime time. Men’s matches are best-of-five sets, while women play a best-of-three.

“The message is not changing. It has never been that the girls are not worthy to play at night. … For me, it’s the length of the matches. It’s not how they play or the level they reach right now,” Mauresmo said. The contentious press conference between Mauresmo and reporters started with nearly 13 minutes of questions on the schedule before she asked to “change the subject.”

The tournament’s local media deal with Amazon, which was extended in 2023, includes just one “featured” match every night. The rest of the tournament’s matches are broadcast on France Télévisions

Warner Bros. Discovery holds the broadcasting rights to the French Open in the U.S. Last year, the two sides agreed to a 10-year, $650 million deal. The night match in Paris starts at 2:15 p.m. ET.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Napheesa Collier

WNBA Tensions Heat Up With Canceled Collier–Engelbert Meeting

The commissioner denied Collier’s version of events at a press conference Friday.
Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”

Fox Analyst Mark Sanchez Arrested After Violent Incident in Indy

Sanchez was “arrested for” three misdemeanors, but has not been charged.
Cody Campbell

Fox, ABC Reject Ad Accusing Power Conference Commissioners of Greed

Cody Campbell said the ads were pulled after he paid for them.

Featured Today

Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
FARMINGDALE, NY - SEPTEMBER 23: Rory McIlroy of Team Europe hits out of the rough on the first hole during the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage State Park on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York.
September 25, 2025

Ryder Cup in New York: Record-Setting Hopes and Fan Concerns

Organizers anticipate record attendance and revenue, but worry remains about fan behavior.
Sep 27, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Josh McCray (2) runs against Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green (41) and defensive back Keon Sabb (3) in the second half at Sanford Stadium.
exclusive

College Football Viewership Is Up Double Digits. Here’s Why

Average game viewership is up by more than 10% so far.
Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) throws the ball during the first half of a NCAA college football game against Alabama in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
October 1, 2025

Alabama-Georgia Draws 10.4M Viewers, Drives Record CFB Season Pace

ABC drew 10.4 million viewers for Alabama-Georgia.
The NBC Sports broadcast team works Michigan State's football game against Boston College on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
October 2, 2025

NBC Sports, Peacock Stay on YouTube TV With Long-Term Deal

The broad-based agreement keeps NBC channels with the key distributor.
Sponsored

How Soccer Star Jozy Altidore Became a Buffalo Bills Owner

Jozy Altidore discusses building a business legacy off the field.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) pulls down a touchdown reception against Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) in the fourth quarter during their football game Sunday, November 13, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
September 24, 2025

Packers-Cowboys Game Is Getting Super Bowl–Like NBC Treatment

The network will bring its pregame show to Dallas.
Sep 18, 2025; College Park, Georgia, USA; Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) reacts as the Fever defeat the Atlanta Dream during game three of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Gateway Center Arena at College Park.
September 19, 2025

Fever Upset of Dream Brings Ratings Boost to WNBA Semis

The Indiana Fever will face the Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals.
September 17, 2025

Fever Ratings Fall Without Clark, but Rest of WNBA Game 1s Surge

The Indiana Fever game drew 47% fewer viewers this year.
Sep 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) makes a reception defended by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) during the fourth quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 16, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Sets Early NFL TV Ratings Mark

Several new milestones are established with the big early-season matchup.