Could Sabalenka and Osaka’s Performance Pave the Way for More Women’s Night Sessions?

For the first time since 2023, the French Open designated a women’s match for its coveted primetime slot on Court Philippe Chatrier. After three years of hesitation and various justifications for avoiding such scheduling, Roland Garros organizers had little choice but to select the fourth-round clash between top seed Aryna Sabalenka and Japan’s Naomi Osaka. Played under the lights on Monday, the encounter highlighted the robust depth and star power of the WTA Tour.

Sabalenka ultimately prevailed in 1 hour and 27 minutes, winning 7-5 6-3. The result left some fans eager for a longer contest. "I hope this marks the start and that we open the door to more women's night sessions," Sabalenka, 28, stated. Her opponent, also 28, echoed these sentiments: "I am honored that the tournament selected us for this slot, and I hope they continue to do so in the future."

The attendance of nearly 15,000 spectators—filling the court to near capacity—did not suggest any dissatisfaction with the value provided. Beyond the high caliber of tennis, the audience enjoyed the unique entertainment value brought by both athletes. Osaka, seeded 16th, drew applause for her fashion-forward appearance, wearing a sparkling, Eiffel Tower-inspired gown suitable for Paris Fashion Week. Meanwhile, Sabalenka’s performance of the moonwalk during her victory speech was warmly received.

"I believe the atmosphere and attention this match generated will demonstrate to the organizers that they should consider scheduling at least some women's matches during the night," Sabalenka noted.

The match itself was a rapid-fire display of first-strike tennis, with both competitors hitting hard from the baseline. Sabalenka’s superior power and expanded variety ultimately proved decisive. For the first set and a half, the players were evenly matched, but as Osaka fatigued, Sabalenka secured the win. "I thought it was really cool—she is great for the sport, and I hope I am too. It was genuinely fun to play," Osaka said.

Previously, all 32 primetime sessions were reserved for men’s matches, intended to reach the widest possible audience across France, Europe, and the US. Sabalenka vs. Osaka was only the fifth women’s match featured in 61 night-time sessions since their introduction in 2021. Prior to the match, Osaka had advocated for "popcorn" style matchups, a category this blockbuster perfectly fit: a reigning world number one facing a former one, and two four-time Grand Slam champions going head-to-head. Furthermore, it featured a style-conscious superstar like Osaka, who has successfully transcended the sport.

Tournament director Amélie Mauresmo, a former world number one herself, had frequently cited concerns about short, two-set matches as a reason for prioritizing men’s games. "The matchups are always compelling for both men and women, but there are multiple factors in our decision-making process," Mauresmo explained earlier in the day. "As you know, the potential duration of the matches is also something we consider." However, regarding this specific pairing, she conceded, "It was obvious that this should be a night match."

Some analysts suggested that Mauresmo might have chosen a different path had men’s world number one Jannik Sinner remained in the tournament. Sinner was scheduled to play on the same day, but in his absence, the men’s matches on Monday lacked comparable star power. If the match between Sabalenka and Osaka did not...

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-01 22:41:42 UTC