"It should be equal": Iga Swiatek backs Ons Jabeur over lack of women’s night matches at Roland Garros
WTA
Iga Swiatek shared a candid moment in a press conference when asked about the absence of women's matches in the Roland Garros night sessions. So far, over seven days of competition, the Philippe Chatrier Stadium's night slot has consistently featured men's matches, a trend set to continue this Sunday on the eighth day.
The three-time defending champion is preparing for a high-stakes clash against 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina. This match, between two of the WTA's most dominant players in recent years, will nonetheless take place during the daytime session on Philippe Chatrier.
Days earlier, Ons Jabeur sharply criticized the organization for not scheduling women's matches at night, while tournament director Amelie Mauresmo defended the decision, attributing it to match duration rather than gender discrimination.
Swiatek has advanced steadily through the French Open so far, boasting a 24-match winning streak and an incredible 38-2 career record at the tournament. The Pole defeated Jaqueline Cristian in straight sets in the third round and now faces a significant challenge against Rybakina, with whom she holds a 4-4 head-to-head record.
After her match against Romania's Cristian, Swiatek was asked about the lack of women's matches in the night session on Court Philippe Chatrier – the main stadium at Roland Garros. "Well, yeah, I think it should be equal. Personally, it’s not like I have big feelings about it because I just do my job and I adjust to the schedule I’m given."
"But I think it should be equal because women’s matches can be entertaining in the same way. As you could see today in my match, there were even waves and everything. So people like it. We can put on a nice show. That’s why I think it should be equal. That’s it."
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The schedule for Sunday was recently released – with Swiatek and Rybakina occupying the second slot of the day on Chatrier. The night match will once again be between men, featuring Holger Rune (No. 10) against Lorenzo Musetti (No. 8). This will be the third consecutive time the Dane closes out the day on the main stadium.
Match Info:
Elena Rybakina - Iga Swiatek
Start time (local): Not scheduled yet
Start time (your time): Not scheduled yet
Tournament: Roland Garros
Round: Round of 16
Head-to-Head
| Rybakina | Swiatek | |
|---|---|---|
| H2H Record | ||
| Total Wins | 5 | 6 |
| Win Streak | 0 | 3 |
| Ranking | ||
| Official Ranking | 11 | 5 |
| Race Ranking | 8 | 4 |
| Live Ranking | ||
| Live Ranking | 11 | 8 (-3) |
| Live Race Ranking | 8 | 4 |
| Bios | ||
| Age | 25 (17 Jun 1999) | 24 (31 May 2001) |
| Birthplace | Moscow, Russia | Warsaw, Poland |
| Residence | Moscow, Russia | Raszyn, Poland |
| Height | 6'0" (184cm) | 5'9" (176cm) |
| Weight | 159lbs (72kg) | 143lbs (65kg) |
| Plays | Right-handed (two-handed backhand) | Right-handed (two-handed backhand) |
| Turned Pro | 2016 | 2016 |
| Coach | Davide Sanguinetti (2025–) | Wim Fissette (October 2024 – present) |
| YTD W/L | 24-9 (73%) | 29-9 (76%) |
| YTD Titles | 1 | - |
| Career Titles | 9 | 22 |
| Prize Money | US $16,988,545 - 34th in all-time rankings | US $34,842,891 - 8th in all-time rankings |
| Past Meetings | ||
|
I Swiatek d E Rybakina WTA Doha - Quarterfinal6-2 | 7-5 13 Feb 2025 |
||
|
I Swiatek d E Rybakina United Cup - Semifinal7-6 | 6-4 4 Jan 2025 |
||
|
I Swiatek d E Rybakina World Tennis League -6-3 21 Dec 2024 |
||
|
E Rybakina d I Swiatek WTA Stuttgart - Semifinal6-3 | 4-6 | 6-3 20 Apr 2024 |
||
|
I Swiatek d E Rybakina WTA Doha - Final7-6 | 6-2 17 Feb 2024 |
||
|
I Swiatek d E Rybakina World Tennis League -6-4 21 Dec 2023 |
||
|
E Rybakina d I Swiatek WTA Rome - Quarterfinal2-6 | 7-6 | 2-2 17 May 2023 |
||
|
E Rybakina d I Swiatek WTA Indian Wells - Semifinal6-2 | 6-2 18 Mar 2023 |
||
|
E Rybakina d I Swiatek Australian Open - Round of 166-4 | 6-4 22 Jan 2023 |
||
|
E Rybakina d I Swiatek World Tennis League -6-3 | 6-1 24 Dec 2022 |
||
|
I Swiatek d E Rybakina WTA Ostrava - Quarterfinal7-6 | 6-2 24 Sep 2021 |
||
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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