For the first time since 2023, the French Open featured a women’s match in the primetime night session on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Roland Garros organisers, after three years of reluctance and repeated criticism, ultimately selected Belarusian top seed Aryna Sabalenka’s fourth-round clash against Japan’s Naomi Osaka for the spotlight slot.
Under the lights on Monday, Sabalenka and Osaka delivered a high-quality encounter that showcased the depth, skill, and star power on the WTA Tour. Sabalenka eventually pulled away to win 7–5, 6–3 in one hour and 27 minutes, though some spectators may have been left wishing for a longer contest.
“I hope this is the beginning and we open the door to more women’s night sessions,” Sabalenka said.
Osaka, also 28, added: “I’m honoured the tournament chose us to play in this slot, and I hope going forward they continue to do so.”
Inside a near-capacity Philippe-Chatrier crowd of almost 15,000, few appeared disappointed with the value on display. Beyond the high level of tennis, the match was elevated by the presence of two globally recognised stars who brought undeniable flair and personality.
Osaka, the 16th seed, arrived in a sparkling Eiffel Tower-inspired haute couture outfit that wouldn’t have looked out of place at Paris Fashion Week, while Sabalenka entertained the crowd with a playful moonwalk during her on-court victory speech.
“I think the atmosphere and attention this match brought is going to show [organisers] that they should consider putting at least some women’s matches at night,” Sabalenka added.
