Sabalenka-Osaka Ends French Open's 33-Match Men's Night Run
Updated
Updated · ESPN · May 31
Sabalenka-Osaka Ends French Open's 33-Match Men's Night Run
9 articles · Updated · ESPN · May 31
Monday's fourth-round clash between world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka will be the French Open's first women's night match in three years.
The switch comes with the top half of the men's draw lacking many marquee names, giving Roland Garros a blockbuster women's matchup for its one-match primetime slot.
Only four of the first 60 night-session matches since the format began in 2021 were women's singles, and none had been scheduled since 2023, drawing criticism of tournament director Amelie Mauresmo.
Mauresmo has argued men's best-of-five matches offer more value for ticket holders than potentially shorter women's contests, while new WTA chair Valerie Camillo pressed this week for greater women's representation.
Will one 'blockbuster' match silence years of criticism over gender inequality at Roland Garros?
Is the French Open ignoring its own court science to justify sidelining women's matches?
With players fighting for fair pay, is unequal scheduling the final straw for a potential player boycott?
Breaking the Night Barrier: Sabalenka vs. Osaka and the Fight for Prime-Time Equality at the 2026 French Open
Overview
The 2026 French Open will feature a landmark night match between Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka, marking the first time since 2023 that a women's match headlines the night session. This scheduling highlights a growing recognition of the star power and competitive appeal top female athletes bring to major tournaments. The decision reflects ongoing efforts to increase visibility and equality for women’s tennis at Roland Garros, showing that women’s matches can draw significant attention and deserve prime-time slots. This event stands as a significant step in addressing historical gender imbalances in tennis scheduling.