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French Open: Mauresmo rows back after criticism

French Open

Amelie Mauresmo, the first woman to become Tournament Director of the French Open this year, has not only aroused the displeasure of the players with thoughtless statements about women’s tennis. On Friday, the Frenchwoman backtracked and apologized for her previous statements.

After criticism that the already controversial night session, which was introduced this year, consisted almost entirely of men’s games, the 42-year-old explained that women’s tennis was currently not as attractive as that of men. “As a woman and a former player, I dare say that the game has more appeal and appeal for men these days,” Mauresmo said on Wednesday.

Nine of the ten evening games played in Paris up to that point were men’s games, only France’s Alize Cornet and Jelena Ostapenko from Latvia were allowed to play once in the night session on the Philippe Chatrier court during prime TV broadcasting time.

Reuters/Dylan Martinez

Alize Cornet was part of the only women’s evening game

“For equality in tennis”

Now Mauresmo said her statements had been taken out of context. Almost every day she looked for a game with the ladies that deserved to take place in the evening due to the constellation. “I have to admit, that was difficult.” After the criticism that had become loud, she didn’t want to leave it that way anymore.

“I would like to apologize to the players who didn’t go down too well with what I said,” said Mauresmo. “I think people who know me know that I’ve always been very committed to equality in tennis throughout my career.”

A double as a bonus?

The problem with the night sessions, however, is that the women only play over two winning sets and the games are therefore usually shorter. That’s why you have to think carefully about what you can offer the spectators who only bought tickets for one game. For the future it is a consideration to possibly add a double in the evening.

French Open in Paris

Semifinals:
Iga Swiatek (POL/1)Daria Kasatkina (RUS / 20)6:2 6:1
Cori Gauff (USA / 18)Martina Trevisan (ITA)6:3 6:1
Quarter-final tableau:
Iga Swiatek (POL/1)Jessica Pegula (USA / 11)6:3 6:2
Daria Kasatkina (RUS / 20)Veronika Kudermetowa (RUS / 29)6:4 7:6 (7/5)
Martina Trevisan (ITA)Leylah Fernandez (CAN/17)6:2 6:7 (3/7) 6:3
Cori Gauff (USA / 18)Sloane Stephens (USA)7:5 6:2

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