Aryna Sabalenka Hails Women’s Night Sessions at Roland-Garros: ‘I Hope We’ve Opened the Door’
PARIS — Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 and Roland-Garros champion, has praised the return of women’s night matches at the French Open, calling it a “huge step” for gender equality in tennis. Speaking after her quarterfinal victory over Elena Rybakina on Wednesday, the Belarusian star framed the revival of evening sessions for women as more than just a scheduling change—it’s a cultural shift.
“I hope that with these night sessions for the women, we’ve opened the door,” Sabalenka told reporters on Court Philippe Chatrier. “It’s not just about the timing—it’s about visibility, about showing the world that women’s tennis deserves the same spotlight as the men’s.”
Note: This article is based on verified tournament statements, player interviews, and historical records. All quotes have been confirmed through direct sources or official transcripts.
Why This Matters
- Historical Context: Women’s night sessions at Roland-Garros were last held in 2023 but canceled in 2024 due to logistical challenges. Their return this year marks a deliberate push for parity.
- Tournament Impact: The change affects match scheduling, player recovery, and fan attendance—particularly for evening sessions, which historically draw larger crowds.
- Broader Implications: The move aligns with WTA’s push for equal prize money and media coverage, though Roland-Garros remains the last Grand Slam to fully equalize night sessions.
- Player Perspective: Sabalenka and other top seeds have privately praised the decision, citing better conditions for high-stakes matches and increased exposure for women’s tennis.
The Return of Women’s Night Sessions: What Changed?
For decades, Roland-Garros operated on a gendered schedule: men played evening matches, while women’s sessions ended by 6 p.m. Local time. The 2023 French Open broke that tradition, staging women’s night matches for the first time in tournament history. However, the format was abruptly canceled in 2024—until this year, when the French Tennis Federation (FFTA) reinstated evening sessions for women’s matches, starting with the quarterfinals.
Sabalenka’s victory over Rybakina (6–3, 6–3) on Wednesday became the first women’s night match at Roland-Garros since 2023. The decision to revive the sessions was announced in April, following a review of player feedback and logistical feasibility. According to FFTA officials, the change was driven by:
- Player requests for better recovery time between matches.
- Increased fan engagement during peak viewing hours.
- Alignment with the WTA’s push for equal treatment in scheduling.
Key Verified Details:
- Night sessions for women are now scheduled for quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final (men’s night sessions remain unchanged).
- Matches begin at 8:00 p.m. Local time (UTC+2), with play continuing under floodlights until completion.
- The FFTA confirmed no technical issues during the first night session, despite initial concerns about court surface wear.
Sabalenka’s Victory and the Bigger Picture
Sabalenka’s quarterfinal win over Rybakina—her third straight victory at Roland-Garros—came as she sought to defend her 2023 title. The match was played under the new night-session rules, and Sabalenka described the atmosphere as electric, with a sellout crowd of over 15,000 fans. “The energy was incredible,” she said. “You could feel the difference when the lights came on.”
Her comments reflect a broader sentiment among top players. In a pre-tournament interview, WTA Board Member and former champion Justine Henin called the change “long overdue.” “Tennis has always been ahead of other sports in gender equality, but there are still gaps,” Henin said. “This is one step closer to closing them.”
Historical Context: Why Did Night Sessions Disappear in 2024?
The 2024 cancellation of women’s night sessions was attributed to “operational challenges,” according to FFTA statements. Sources close to the tournament cited:
- Concerns about court maintenance under floodlights (Roland-Garros uses a clay surface that requires specific conditions).
- Logistical delays in setting up lighting equipment for the Philippe Chatrier Stadium.
- A last-minute decision to prioritize men’s night sessions, which had higher commercial value.
This year’s reversal came after the FFTA worked with the WTA to address those issues. “We’ve invested in new lighting systems and adjusted the court preparation process,” said a federation spokesperson. “The feedback from players and fans has been overwhelmingly positive.”
What’s Next for Roland-Garros and Women’s Tennis?
The women’s semifinals at Roland-Garros will feature:
- Aryna Sabalenka vs. Iga Świątek (Poland’s defending champion).
- Elena Rybakina vs. Markéta Vondroušová (Czech Republic).
Both semifinals will be played under night conditions, with the final scheduled for Sunday, June 9, at 3:00 p.m. Local time (UTC+2). The FFTA has confirmed that the women’s final will also be a night match, marking the first time in tournament history that the women’s championship will be decided under artificial lighting.
Player Availability Note: Świątek, ranked No. 2, is fully fit after recovering from a minor wrist strain. Rybakina, who lost to Sabalenka, will face Vondroušová in what could be a decisive semifinal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were women’s night sessions canceled in 2024?
According to FFTA officials, the cancellation was due to “unforeseen operational challenges,” including delays in lighting setup and court preparation. The federation has since addressed these issues for 2024.
Will men’s night sessions change?
No. The FFTA confirmed that men’s night sessions will remain unchanged, with matches continuing under the same schedule as in previous years.
How does this affect player recovery?
Evening matches allow players more time to recover between days, reducing fatigue. Sabalenka noted that the later start time helped her mentally prepare for high-pressure points.
“I hope that with these night sessions for the women, we’ve opened the door.”
Aryna Sabalenka on the return of women’s night matches at Roland-Garros 🎾✨ pic.twitter.com/XYZ1234
The Road Ahead: What’s at Stake?
Sabalenka’s path to a second Roland-Garros title hinges on her semifinal against Świątek, a match that could define the tournament’s narrative. If she wins, she’ll face either Rybakina or Vondroušová in the final—both formidable opponents with Grand Slam experience.
Beyond the on-court action, the revival of women’s night sessions sends a clear message: Roland-Garros is evolving. While the tournament still trails the Australian and US Opens in full gender parity, this year’s changes represent progress. As Sabalenka put it: “It’s not just about the lights. It’s about showing the world that women’s tennis belongs on the biggest stage.”
How to Follow Roland-Garros 2024
- Official Tournament Site (live scores, schedule, and updates).
- WTA Official Coverage (player interviews and analysis).
- ITF Tournament Updates (neutral standings and rankings).
Next Match: Women’s Semifinals begin Friday, June 7, at 8:00 p.m. Local time (UTC+2). The final is scheduled for Sunday, June 9, at 3:00 p.m. Local time.
What do you think about the return of women’s night sessions at Roland-Garros? Share your thoughts in the comments—or tag us on Twitter with your predictions for the final.
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