'We will talk with Grand Slam tournaments': WTA Chief backs Ons Jabeur on lack of women's night sessions

The WTA CEO, Portia Archer, endorsed Ons Jabeur's criticisms regarding the lack of women's matches in the night sessions at Roland Garros. As in 2024, this year saw no women's matches in the prime-time, most-watched television slot, sparking debate during the weeks in Paris.

The first to speak out was three-time Grand Slam runner-up Jabeur: "In Europe, generally, the situation is regrettable for women, for women's sports, not just for tennis, but for sports in general," she said. "We don't broadcast women's sports, women's tennis, and then we ask why people watch men's sports more. I think it's a bit of a shame for the federation, a shame for the television channels that these contracts are taken."

The issue came up several times in press conferences, with world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff among those who backed the Tunisian. On the other hand, the tournament director, former world No. 1 Amelie Mauresmo, defended the decision to only schedule men's matches in the Philippe Chatrier night session, claiming they ensure at least three sets are played.

In a recent interview with BBC Sports, WTA CEO Portia Archer stated that the WTA will speak with Grand Slam tournament organizations to convey their position that women deserve a place in prime-time broadcasts. "Ons shared a very eloquent message. I believe we will talk with Grand Slam tournaments and other events that, in our opinion, operate in a way that is different from what fans and the public demand. I encourage fans to do the same. We will continue to advocate and promote this."

Archer emphasized that this is not a specific issue unique to the French Open – or just the majors – and that they will work diligently to ensure things change in the future and give more visibility to women's tennis. "I believe this is an issue that comes up at other tournaments, not specifically at the Grand Slams. Again, it's not a task I'm assigning to anyone in particular, so we will talk to all parties involved about how to implement changes in this area."