Women's Matches Less Appealing At French Open, Says Tournament Director Amelie Mauresmo

French Open tournament director Amelie Mauresmo said on Wednesday that women's matches had less appeal than men's at Roland Garros, an opinion dismissed as "surprising and disappointing" by world number one Iga Swiatek. Of the 10 night sessions at this year's tournament, only one has featured a women's tie when home player Alize Cornet faced Jelena Ostapenko in the second round. "In this era that we are in right now, and as a woman, a former woman's player, I don't feel bad or unfair saying you have more attraction, more attractivity -- can you say that? Appeal? -- for the men's matches," said Mauresmo, a former world number one and a two-time Grand Slam champion.

"My goal when I was doing the schedule every day was to try and see a match in the women's draw that I can put there. Honestly, it was tough. It was tough for more than one night to find the match of the day."

Swiatek, the 2020 champion in Paris, who has played all her matches in the day this year, took Mauresmo to task, saying that the women's game has plenty of positives.

"It is a little bit disappointing and surprising," said the 21-year-Pole after making the semi-finals on Wednesday.

"I want my tennis to be entertainment and I remember that I also play for people. 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 is really appealing and it may really attract more people."

Mauresmo, in her first year as French Open tournament director, was responding to questions over the suitability of Roland Garros night sessions which were introduced last year as part of a new broadcast deal.

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