'I don’t mind': Iga Swiatek remains unbothered about men's players getting more attention at French Open

Poland’s Iga Swiatek has opened up about the discussion regarding men’s tennis getting more importance than women’s tennis at the French Open. The second Grand Slam started on Sunday where players from all over the world are battling it out to secure the ultimate prize.

Recently, there has been constant discussion about why the women’s tennis players do not get the chance to play on the main court at the Roland Garros at night. In 2022 and 2023, 90 % of the matches played at night on the main court, which is also known as the Philippe Chatrier Court, featured men’s tennis players. In 2024, that number went up to 100 %. This year, three matches were played at night at the Philippe Chatrier Court, all featuring men’s tennis players. The scheduling is such that the women’s tennis players only get to play on the main court during the daytime, with men’s tennis players competing under lights.

World number five Swiatek, who cemented her spot in the round of 64 after beating Slovakia’s Rebecca Sramkova in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 6-3, was asked by a reporter after the match whether it bothers her to see that men’s tennis players gets a bigger platform at the Roland Garros. In response, the four-time French Open winner stated that it does not bother her, as she prefers playing during the day rather than at night.

“No, I understand. But I’m not making the schedule,” she said while responding to that question. “Every year we talk about it. My position didn’t change. I like playing day. So I’m happy I’m done and can have a longer rest. On the other hand, people just try to look for, like, not even things between men and women. You can find that in the schedule a bit and you can ask us all the time. Honestly, my answers are not gonna change. I don’t mind.”

Swiatek will now face Britain’s Emma Raducanu in the second round of the competition. The 22-year-old cemented her spot in the round of 64 after beating China’s Wang Xinyu with a score of 7-5, 4-6, 6-3. It will be the fifth meeting between the two players in professional tennis. In the previous four meetings, Swiatek had a clear edge, winning on all four occasions.