Aryna Sabalenka has joined the growing chorus of women’s tennis stars calling for equal treatment in tournament scheduling, particularly at **Roland Garros**. The world No. 2 expressed her frustration over the lack of **prime-time night matches** for women, arguing that they deserve the same spotlight as their male counterparts.
## **"We Deserve Equal Treatment"**
When asked whether women should receive the same scheduling opportunities as men at the French Open, Sabalenka didn’t hold back.
*“I definitely agree with that,”* she said. *“There were a lot of great battles that would be cool to see as a night session. More people in the stands watching these incredible battles. Just to show ourselves to more people. I definitely agree that we deserve to be put on a bigger stage, better timing, more people watching.”*
Her comments come amid criticism that this year’s tournament has not featured a **single women’s match** in the coveted **night session slot**, while multiple men’s matches have been scheduled in prime time.
## **A Wider Issue in Tennis**
Sabalenka’s stance reflects a long-standing debate in tennis about **gender equality** in scheduling, prize money, and overall visibility. While Grand Slams have made strides in offering equal prize money, disparities in match placement—particularly in night sessions—remain a point of contention.
Other players, including **Iga Świątek** and **Ons Jabeur**, have previously spoken out about the issue. Świątek, a three-time Roland Garros champion, has emphasized that women’s matches often deliver just as much drama and intensity as men’s, yet don’t always get the same prime-time exposure.
## **The Case for Change**
Fans and analysts argue that showcasing more women’s matches in prime slots would:
- **Increase viewership** and engagement with women’s tennis.
- **Highlight the depth of talent** in the WTA, where rivalries and upsets are just as compelling as on the ATP Tour.
- **Promote equality** in a sport that has long prided itself on being a leader in gender fairness.
Tournament organizers have yet to respond directly to Sabalenka’s comments, but the pressure is mounting for **equal representation** in scheduling decisions.
## **What’s Next?**
As the French Open progresses, the question remains: Will Roland Garros and other Grand Slams take steps to ensure women’s matches get the same prime-time treatment as men’s? For now, Sabalenka and her peers are making sure their voices are heard.
*“We deserve to be on a bigger stage,”* Sabalenka reiterated—a sentiment that resonates far beyond the clay courts of Paris.
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