“We deserve the same treatment with all”

Tuesday, June 3, Aryna Sabalenka won 7-6 (3), 6-3 in front of Qinwen Zheng (22 years old, 7 WTA) and He provided a duel with the Iga Swiak rival (24 years old, 5 WTA) in the semifinals Roland Garros.

Aryna Sabalenka: “We deserve a bigger scene, a better program”

At the press conference after the match, Sabalenka was asked about the custom of the Roland Garros organizers to schedule the matches in the female competition in the first part of the day and those in the male competition in the evening session.

“I totally agree, I must say that yes, we deserve the same treatment with all. We had many extraordinary battles between us, so it would be great to see an female match in the evening session, with more people in the stands following these incredible confrontations. Just to make ourselves more visible in front of a wider audience. I totally agree: we deserve a bigger scene, a better program and more people to follow us”, The world number 1, quoted by Eurosport, replied.

The decision of the organizers led to a very small presence in the stands of the Philippe-Catrier arena and Sabalenk's match, and Swiak.

“Honestly, I was not very attentive to the public, but it seemed to be enough spectators. I agree, it was an important match, it would probably have more sense to be scheduled later, so that more people could come to see it. On the other hand, I am glad that I have half a day, I would like it.

Ons Jabeur: “It's a shame on the part of the federation, it is ashamed of Prime Video”

Aryna Sabalenka is not the first player to talk about this topic. After removing from Roland Garros, Ons Jabeur harshly criticized the French tennis and first video federation.

It's a little ironic. It does not show female sport, it does not show female tennis and then say, “Yes, but fans look at most of men.” Obviously I look at the male sport more because we show it more. Everything is tied.

It is a shame from the federation, it is a shame on the first video that has signed such a contract. Many excellent players deserve to be there. One of the Monday matches was Naomi Osaka and Paula Badosa. An incredible duel. Should have been in the evening session.

Like last year when Iga Swiak and Naomi Osaka had to be there. I don't know what fans refer to. I know I'm a fan and I would look at that match

– Ons Jabeur

Aryna's track record

• Tour 1: 6-1, 6-0 vs. Kamilla Rakhimova (23 years old, 86 WTA)

• Tour 2: 6-3, 6-1 vs. Jil Teichmann (27 years old, 97 WTA)

• Tour 3: 6-2, 6-3 vs. Olga Danilovic (24 years old, 34 WTA)

• Optimum final: 7-5, 6-3 vs. Amanda Anisimova (23 years old, 16 WTA)

• Quarters of final: 7-6 (3), 6-3 vs. Qinwen Zheng (22 years old, 7 WTA)