"You have to give them exposure to make them known" - Rennae Stubbs criticises French Open for not prioritising women's matches

The French Open has come under immense criticism this year for its scheduling, especially on the women's side of the draw.

French Open director Amelie Mauresmo's comments about the lack of appeal for women's tennis did not sit well with former World No. 1 Rennae Stubbs, who took to Twitter to express her displeasure.

Rennae said that Leylah Fernandez and Emma Radacanu were the 'story of the tournament' at the US Open last year only because they were afforded top billing.

"Nobody knew who Leylah Fernandez or Emma Radacanu was last year @usopen but because we gave them top billing and LOTS of media attention they were the story of the tournament AND Novak was going for a calendar grand slam! U have to give them the exposure to make them known!," Rennae Stubbs tweeted.

Amelie Mauresmo, a former World No. 1 herself, defended Roland Garros' scheduling at a press conference, saying she didn't "feel bad or unfair" about it.

"In this era that we are in right now, I don’t feel, and as a woman, former woman’s player, I don’t feel bad or unfair saying that right now you have more attraction, more attractivity, can you say that? Appeal? That’s the general (factor), for the men’s matches," Mauresmo said.

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French Open draws flak for late-night matches

2022 French Open - Day Ten

The 2022 French Open has come under immense flak for the scheduling of late-night matches.

Rafael Nadal's victory over Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals, the showpiece match of the tournament thus far, ended at 1.15 am local time with temperatures below 12 degrees Celsius.

Though World No. 1 Novak Djokovic agreed that matches are starting too late, he also said he understood the reasons behind the scheduling.

"There are differences of opinion about the night sessions. I think they are starting too late, to be honest. But again, TV decides. That’s the world we are living in," Djokovic said.

Alexander Zverev, on the other hand, claimed that the organisers have favoured rising Spanish teen star Carlos Alcaraz. The German said he was unhappy about his lack of matches on the Philippe-Chatrier court, Roland Garros’ showpiece arena which has a retractable roof.

“I played on Chatrier once, (Novak) Djokovic played twice, (Rafael) Nadal three times, like Alcaraz. It is clear, and rightly so, that Rafa and Novak get what they want. Now comes a new and young player who deserves a lot of attention, but I have the feeling that the other players are being ignored," Zverev said.