Ons Jabeur plans talks with French Open boss after renewing calls for change
Ons Jabeur is keen to get some answers from the French Open tournament director.
Ons Jabeur says she would like to speak to the French Open tournament director because she wants to “know a lot of things”. Earlier in the clay season, the world No. 9 asked for women to be treated with more respect at tournaments.
And she renewed her calls to see changes in the scheduling decisions both on court and on TV after advancing to the third round at Roland Garros.
Two-time Major winner Amelie Mauresmo currently heads up the French Open and Jabeur is hoping to chat with the retired star-turned-tournament director at the end of the fortnight.
Related articles
During last month’s Madrid Open, Jabeur remarked that some other European tournaments needed to “respect women more”. After arriving in Paris for the second Grand Slam tournament of the year, she was asked whether those feelings applied to the French Open.
“I'm going to get in trouble again, aren't I?” the three-time Major finalist smiled. “Listen, I know they're trying here. I wish they'd try more. It's not something we'll change in a day.”
One of the issues that Jabeur brought up in Madrid was the imbalance between the number of men’s and women’s matches being shown on TV. And it’s something that she noticed was still happening at Roland Garros. “I'm watching TV every day. A lot of men matches more than women, and that is the truth. I mean, I'm not gonna lie about it,” she added.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Jabeur made sure to give credit to Mauresmo, who was appointed as the French Open tournament director at the end of 2021. But she also took issue with one of the other day four matches - a clash between four-time Grand Slam champions Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka - not being given the night session slot on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Jabeur continued: “I think Amelie is doing an amazing job and is trying to change that, but these things, they take time. I wish I can see the change more. Obviously I wish I can see more, like I wish I saw Osaka and Iga's match today as a night session. But it's a choice. I understand that.
“Maybe the prime time is now. I don't know. Again, I will keep pushing for that, and I wish really to see promoting more women's sport in general and women's tennis in general.” And the 29-year-old said she would be keen to have a chat with Mauresmo after the tournament to get some answers.
Don't miss...
French Open issues response after Goffin's accusations against partisan crowd [RESPONSE]
French Open home star weighs in on crowd controversy after Goffin accusation [REACTION]
Djokovic explains 'what gets him out of bed every day' as motivation questioned [QUOTES]
“Yeah, definitely. I feel like I wanted to focus more on the tournament right now,” Jabeur explained. “But I feel Amelie is such an amazing person, which she would be very open to talk about things. I would like to know things.
“Obviously I don't know everything that's happening with the TV, with the rights, with this and that. But I am curious to know a lot of things. But I know for sure that they're trying to do better. You know, as a woman playing right now, I want to see more, for sure. And maybe some things are not in her hands. Just that's how it is.”
