Iga Swiatek ‘disappointed’ by French Open chief’s comments that women’s tennis has less ‘appeal’

World No 1 Iga Swiatek admits it is “disappointing and surprising” to hear Roland Garros Tournament Director Amelie Mauresmo state that women’s tennis is currently not as appealing as the men’s game.

Questions have been raised about French Open organisers’ decision to stage only one women’s match during 10 night sessions at the clay-court Grand Slam.

When asked about the inequality, two-time Grand Slam winner Mauresmo was not afraid to say that men’s tennis has a bigger attraction than the women’s game at the moment.

“In this era that we are in right now, I don’t feel – and as a woman and former player, I don’t feel bad or unfair saying that right now you have more attraction. Can you say that? Appeal? That’s the general, for the men’s matches,” the former world No 1 said.

Naturally it caused a bit of a stir and reigning world No 1 Swiatek was asked for her response.

The Pole replied: “It is a little bit disappointing and surprising because she was also on the WTA.

“From my point of view, for every player it is more convenient to play at normal hours, but I want to entertain and I also want to show my best tennis in every match. For me I am always focused the same way when I go out, whether it is day session or night session. It is still disappointing.

She added: “I think women’s tennis has a lot of advantages. Some may say [that] it’s unpredictable and girls are not consistent. But on the other hand, it may also be something that may really attract more people.”