Ons Jabeur recently addressed growing frustration around the scheduling of women’s matches at the 2025 French Open, penning an emotional letter after none were selected for a primetime evening slot.
In the message, Jabeur highlighted the absence of top-tier stars—including Coco Gauff, Iga Świątek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Paula Badosa—from the marquee night match slots, a move that many fans and players have criticized as dismissive.
Ons Jabeur Pens Emotional Letter Amid French Open Women’s Match Scheduling Controversy
Taking to social media, Jabeur voiced her concern about the persistent narrative that women’s tennis draws less interest or doesn’t “move people.” She challenged those claims by pointing to the heart, grit, and excellence consistently shown by female players.
“A lot of amazing athletes have been told the same things over and over. That no one watches. That no one cares. That women’s sport doesn’t ‘move people.’ Still, they show up. Still, they compete. Still, they carry a sport forward on their shoulders,” Jabeur wrote.
She praised her fellow competitors for bringing diverse strengths and compelling stories to the court, naming some of the game’s biggest talents.
“Coco Gauff leads with fearless belief. Aryna Sabalenka strikes with unmatched power. Iga Świątek dominates with calm and precision. Jessica Pegula brings relentless consistency. Paula Badosa fights through every storm. Mirra Andreeva breaks through, young and fearless. Jasmine Paolini lights up the court with fire and courage,” she added.
Jabeur also recognized tennis greats such as Venus and Serena Williams for breaking down barriers and setting the standard for excellence. She acknowledged others, including Naomi Osaka, who have used their platform to advocate for mental health and remain resilient in the face of challenges.
“Elena Rybakina is composed and lethal. Naomi Osaka opened up about the battles off the court and kept showing up. Venus and Serena Williams broke barriers and then broke records. The game is full of stories. Of greatness. Of fight. Of grace under pressure,” she wrote.
In her conclusion, Jabeur made it clear that celebrating women’s tennis does not require diminishing the men’s game. She emphasized that both deserve equal recognition.
“The game is not asking to be seen. It’s already shining. No one’s denying the greatness in men’s tennis—the fierce battles, the legacies, the magic under pressure. But honoring one side of the sport shouldn’t mean ignoring the other. The women’s game has been writing its own legacy loudly, brilliantly, and for far too long without full recognition,” Jabeur added.
You don’t have to agree, just read with an open heart❤️ pic.twitter.com/pmJnWhgy6L
— Ons Jabeur (@Ons_Jabeur) May 30, 2025
Jabeur’s letter follows similar comments from Coco Gauff, Iga Świątek, and Danielle Collins, who have all spoken out on the issue. Many top women’s players have expressed disappointment with the tournament’s lack of primetime visibility for female matches.
At this year’s French Open, Jabeur was upset in the first round by No. 25 seed Magdalena Fręch, losing 6-7(4), 0-6.
