"It should be equal": Iga Swiatek backs Ons Jabeur over lack of women’s night matches at Roland Garros

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."

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.