French Open 2026: Aryna Sabalenka v Naomi Osaka to be first women’s night match at event since 2023
Last year, America’s world number five Jessica Pegula said she felt like she was “banging her head against the wall” over this issue, while two-time Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur questioned whether those who made this decision were “daughters”.
Since 2023, questions have been raised about whether the French Open should do more to showcase the women’s game.
The lack of action has prompted recently appointed WTA chief executive Valerie Camillo to seek answers from French Open tournament director Amelie Mauresmo (former women’s world number one) when they meet at Roland Garros this week.
In what the WTA described as an open and productive meeting, Camillo underlined her belief that women’s players have provided some of the “most exciting and dynamic competitions in global sport” in recent months and years.
Mauresmo has consistently argued that the danger of women’s matches going “really fast” was the rationale behind the choices.
Tickets for night session matches in the 2026 tournament range from €60 to €280 (£50 to £240).
Mauresmo insisted that the night sessions would not be extended to two matches like the Australian Open and US Open for fear of a late finish.
