"More friendly to the players" - Roland Garros tournament director Mauresmo on the 2022 edition

Last year's Roland Garros created a very bad image for itself due to the Naomi Osaka saga and ahead of the 2022 edition, Mauresmo spoke about it.

The former world number one took over from Guy Forget when his contract expired at the end of 2021. Speaking ahead of the event, Mauresmo agreed that players today are under more scrutiny than in her day, something Roland Garros is aware of after having difficulties handling Osaka’s press conference absences at the 2021 event that culminated in her withdrawal from the Major.

Speaking to Eurosport, she said:

“It’s something that I personally felt when I was playing. It was not as bad as now, especially because there was no social media or much less at the time. So I think that today, this issue is even more present.”

Referencing the Osaka incident, Mauresmo said:

“First of all, we will now have a mixed zone for the players who do not raise big attendance in the press room. To make something more dynamic, more friendly for the players and a bit faster. As soon as it’s finished, it doesn’t drag on.”

Mauresmo added that moderators will be in the press room to move questions along if they feel press queries become too similar and a player has already answered a question. She explained:

“It’s not to censor the press, but it’s just to show a little common sense at certain moments to be able to move on. The post-match for players will be made more fluid.”