In the heart of Paris, where the red clay of Roland Garros tells tales of tennis triumphs, Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old American tennis sensation, is making waves both on and off the court. Fresh off a commanding 6-2, 6-4 victory over Tereza Valentova in the second round of the 2025 French Open, Gauff has turned her focus to a pressing issue: the lack of women’s matches in the tournament’s prime-time night sessions. Her passionate stance, echoed by fellow player Ons Jabeur, has reignited a conversation about gender equity in one of tennis’s most prestigious events.
Gauff, the No. 2 seed and a former finalist at Roland Garros in 2022, didn’t mince words when addressing the scheduling disparity. “To be honest, prove me wrong, but I don’t think any girl wants to play after the 8:15 match,” she remarked, highlighting the grueling nature of late-night matches that often follow men’s five-set marathons. Her point is clear: women’s matches, typically shorter best-of-three-set contests, are just as worthy of the spotlight as men’s. Yet, since Amélie Mauresmo became tournament director in 2022, only two women’s matches have been scheduled for the coveted night session on Court Philippe-Chatrier, a stark contrast to the men’s dominance in prime time.
The issue isn’t new, but Gauff’s voice adds fresh urgency. She argues that the current scheduling, which often relegates women’s matches to daytime slots with smaller audiences, undermines the growing star power and crowd appeal of players like herself, Iga Swiatek, and Aryna Sabalenka. Gauff’s recent performances—reaching back-to-back finals in Madrid and Rome, and climbing to World No. 2—only bolster her case. “Women’s matches are worthy of being played in the prime-time night session at Roland Garros,” she asserted, emphasizing that equal visibility is not just a matter of fairness but also a way to showcase the sport’s brightest talents to the largest possible audience.
Gauff’s proposed solution is practical yet bold: adjust the night session schedule to start earlier, allowing a women’s three-set match to precede a men’s five-setter. This format, she argues, would maximize viewership while ensuring players aren’t stuck competing past midnight. “If the time was moved, there could be an additional match played,” she noted, drawing from the example of the U.S. Open, where night sessions often feature both men’s and women’s matches. Gauff is adamant, however, that women’s matches shouldn’t simply be tacked on after men’s, as it risks diminishing their prominence and exhausting players and fans alike.
The criticism has put pressure on Mauresmo, who defended the current scheduling during a recent press conference. She disputed claims that women’s matches are undervalued, insisting that the tournament prioritizes competitive balance. Yet, with only one women’s match scheduled in prime time since 2023, her defense has done little to quell the growing discontent. Gauff and Jabeur’s comments have sparked a broader dialogue, with fans and media amplifying the call for change. Social media posts reflect the sentiment, with one user noting, “Coco’s right—women deserve the same stage as men. It’s time for Roland Garros to step up.”
On the court, Gauff’s focus remains sharp. Despite a shaky serve that produced 23 unforced errors and six double faults against Valentova, she relied on her speed and relentless pressure to secure the win. Her next challenge is a third-round clash against Marie Bouzkova, set for Saturday at approximately 10:30 a.m. ET, with a chance to reach the fourth round for the fifth consecutive year. Off the court, her advocacy is equally formidable, challenging the status quo and pushing for a future where women’s tennis shines as brightly as the Parisian lights.
As the 2025 French Open unfolds, Gauff’s voice resonates beyond the clay. Her call for prime-time equity is not just about scheduling—it’s about respect, recognition, and the evolution of a sport that thrives on its stars, regardless of gender. With the women’s final slated for June 7, the question remains: will Roland Garros heed Gauff’s call and give women the stage they deserve?
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