Ons Jabeur, the former world No. 2 and two-time Wimbledon finalist, unleashed a scathing critique of French Open organizers after her first-round loss to Magdalena Frech (7-6(4), 6-0) on May 27, 2025, accusing them of gender bias in scheduling. In a post-match press conference, Jabeur blasted the prioritization of men’s matches for the coveted 8:15 p.m. night session on Court Philippe-Chatrier, stating, “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.” Her comments, sparked by the absence of women’s matches in the night session for the first four days of the 2025 tournament, reignited a long-standing debate about equity at Roland Garros, aligning with the event’s themes of resilience seen in Alex de Minaur’s gritty win and Iga Swiatek’s dominance.
Jabeur’s Critique and Scheduling Disparity
Jabeur’s frustration centered on the French Open’s scheduling, which has favored men’s matches for the separately ticketed night session since its introduction in 2021. Of 33 night matches from 2022 to 2025, only two were women’s singles, with none scheduled in 2024 or the first four days of 2025. Meanwhile, women’s matches, including all four opening matches on Philippe-Chatrier in 2025, are slotted in the 11 a.m. slot, often playing to sparse crowds. Jabeur argued this disadvantages women’s tennis visibility, saying, “They don’t show women’s sport, they don’t show women’s tennis, and then they ask why viewers watch men more. Of course, because you show men more.”
She also criticized the French Tennis Federation (FFT) and broadcaster Amazon Prime, questioning their contract and suggesting high-profile women’s matches, like Naomi Osaka vs. Paula Badosa or Iga Swiatek vs. Osaka in 2024, deserved night slots. Jabeur’s remarks echoed her 2024 complaints after a quarterfinal loss to Coco Gauff at 11 a.m., where she called the scheduling “a chore” and demanded to see the Prime Video contract. Posts on X amplified her outrage, with fans noting her pointed “daughters” remark.
Organizers’ Defense and Broader Context
FFT president Gilles Moretton defended the scheduling, claiming it prioritizes the “best match” for spectators. “Sometimes we have to think about what could be better for spectators,” he said, a stance Jabeur dismissed, retorting, “I’m not sure what kind of fans he’s talking about. I know I’m a fan.” Organizers also fear women’s best-of-three-set matches could end quickly, unlike men’s best-of-five. Coco Gauff, however, questioned the appeal of late-night slots, saying, “I don’t think anyone wants to play after 8:15,” while Swiatek prefers daytime play.
The issue has historical roots: in 2022, tournament director Amélie Mauresmo apologized after suggesting men’s matches had “more appeal,” promising change, yet 2025 saw no progress. Late finishes, like Novak Djokovic’s 3:07 a.m. match in 2024, also drew Jabeur’s ire for health concerns, noting, “Who said it’s healthy to play past 1 a.m.? The ball kids are young and still on the courts.” This connects to broader French Open narratives, including de Minaur’s health concerns after limping post-match and Swiatek’s scheduling comments after routing Raducanu.
French Open Parallels and Resilience
Jabeur’s rant, following her 7-6(4), 6-0 loss to Frech, reflects the French Open’s resilience theme, seen in de Minaur’s 27th win of 2025 against Laslo Djere, saving four set points. Her advocacy for women’s tennis, despite a disappointing exit, mirrors Andre Agassi’s praise of Alexander Zverev’s backhand and Katie Boulter’s clay breakthrough. The scheduling row, debated on X, underscores ongoing equity battles, akin to controversies like Zverev’s Italian Open complaints.
Conclusion
Ons Jabeur’s furious rant at French Open 2025 organizers, accusing them of sexism for prioritizing men’s matches in night sessions, highlighted a persistent scheduling disparity. Her call for equity, criticizing the FFT and Amazon Prime after a 7-6(4), 6-0 loss to Frech, resonated widely, amplified on X. Despite Moretton’s defense, the lack of women’s night matches—none in 2024 or early 2025—fuels the debate. Jabeur’s stand, like de Minaur’s fight and Swiatek’s dominance, embodies the French Open’s grit, pushing for change in women’s tennis visibility.
