The Primetime Debate: Why Women’s Tennis is Fighting for the Night Session
The spotlight at Roland Garros has long been tilted toward the men’s draw, but a shifting tide in sports administration suggests the conversation is changing. For years, the French Open’s night sessions—the marquee primetime slots—have been dominated by men’s matches. With WTA Chair Valerie Camillo now leading the charge, the industry is reckoning with a fundamental question: Is the “best-of-five” tradition enough to keep the status quo, or is it time to evolve?
The Scheduling Standoff: Quantity vs. Quality
Tournament organizers have historically leaned on the logistical argument of match duration. Because men’s Grand Slam matches are best-of-five sets, they are viewed as a “safer” bet for broadcasters needing to fill a specific time block. Conversely, women’s matches are best-of-three, leading to the assumption that they offer less “value” for the ticket price.
However, this logic is increasingly under fire. Modern tennis fans are proving that quality of play, star power, and competitive narratives drive viewership far more than the potential for a five-hour slog. When top-tier athletes like Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka, or Aryna Sabalenka are relegated to daytime slots while mid-ranked men take the primetime stage, the tournament risks alienating a massive segment of its audience.
The Economic Case for Parity
Beyond the optics, there is a clear economic argument. Scheduling high-profile women’s matches at noon—often when stadiums are at their emptiest—diminishes the atmosphere and the quality of the broadcast. By moving these matches to the night session, the French Open could capitalize on the “prime” viewing hours where advertising revenue is highest.
Data from recent years shows that the appetite for women’s tennis is at an all-time high. Yet, the persistent exclusion from the night session at Roland Garros remains a bottleneck. Broadcasters like Amazon Prime and the Tennis Channel have previously lobbied for change, signaling that the market is ready for a more balanced schedule.
What Lies Ahead for Tournament Scheduling?
The future of tennis scheduling will likely be defined by flexibility. As the WTA continues to push for equity, we can expect to see:
- Dynamic Scheduling: Tournaments may move away from rigid “men first” traditions, choosing matches based on current momentum and player rankings.
- Hybrid Session Formats: Exploring ways to pair women’s and men’s matches within the same evening block to maximize engagement.
- Increased Transparency: Pressure from leaders like Camillo will likely force grand slams to justify their scheduling decisions with clearer metrics.
Did You Know?
In the last five years at the French Open, women have featured in only four out of 50 night-session matches. The 2024 and 2025 tournaments saw zero women’s matches in the primetime slot.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why are women’s matches best-of-three sets?
- Women’s matches follow a best-of-three set format at all Grand Slams, a standard that has been in place for decades. While there is occasional debate about moving to best-of-five, the current focus is on securing equal primetime access regardless of set count.
- Does match length really affect TV ratings?
- While length was once a major factor for linear TV, modern streaming platforms and social media engagement prioritize high-stakes, competitive matches regardless of their total duration.
- Who is responsible for scheduling at the French Open?
- The French Tennis Federation (FFT) and the tournament director, currently Amélie Mauresmo, oversee the final scheduling decisions for each day of the tournament.
Join the Conversation: Do you believe Grand Slams should mandate a 50/50 split for night session matches, or should organizers have total autonomy? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our Courtside Weekly newsletter for more deep dives into the business of tennis.
