Are players actively avoiding French Open night sessions?

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Players Express Disinterest in French Open Night Sessions, Citing Late Finishes

Coco Gauff, the American world number six, has indicated that night sessions at the French Open are not a preferred slot among female players. Conversations with fellow athletes suggest a general reluctance to play late, primarily due to the potential for matches to conclude in the early hours of the morning. This sentiment implies that the perceived prestige of a prime-time TV slot does not outweigh the practical disadvantages for the players.
Player Preferences and Late Finishes

Gauff stated that from her discussions, "no one really wants the night session" and that players were "happy with the men taking it." This perspective highlights a player-driven avoidance of the late slot, which often leads to matches finishing well past midnight. For instance, a recent match between Alexander Zverev and Frances Tiafoe concluded at 00:15 local time. The late finishes can impact recovery and preparation for subsequent matches, making the night session less desirable for competitors.
Alternative Scheduling Models in Grand Slams

Ons Jabeur, a former Wimbledon and US Open runner-up, has proposed that the French Open adopt a model similar to the Australian and US Opens. This approach involves scheduling both a men's and a women's singles match within the night session. Jabeur finds it "strange" that Roland Garros has not implemented this dual-gender scheduling, suggesting it would provide a more balanced representation and potentially a more appealing schedule for both players and spectators.
Tournament Director's Past Remarks and Fan Engagement

The discussion around night sessions also touches upon past comments made by tournament director Amelie Mauresmo in 2022, who suggested that men's matches were more attractive. While Mauresmo insisted her remarks were taken out of context, the issue of perceived attractiveness continues to be a point of discussion. Notably, there were reports of fans offering their Sunday night session tickets for resale, indicating potential issues with spectator demand for the current scheduling.

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Are players actively avoiding French Open night sessions?

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