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Winner of the 2022 French Open Iga Swiatek had recently reacted to the comments made by Roland Garros director Amelie Mauresmo where she said men's tennis was currently more appealing than women's tennis.
Swiatek expressed her disappointment with the comments and also proclaimed that she strives to play the best tennis she can and give the audience an incredible experience. “It is a little bit disappointing and surprising because she was also in the WTA,” the Polska native said.
“I want to entertain and I also want to show my best tennis on every match. So for me, I’m always focused the same way when I’m going out, it doesn’t matter if it’s day session or night sessions. But yeah, it is a little bit disappointing.”
“I think women’s tennis has a lot of advantages. And 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”, Swiatek said.
The WTA also released a statement talking about how there is “room for improvement” in the French Open’s decision-making. The statement read, “The generation and depth of talent we are currently witnessing in the sport is incredible”.
“Our fans want to see the excitement and thrill of women’s tennis on the biggest stages and in the premium time slots. If we want to build the value of our combined product, then a balanced match schedule is critical in providing that pathway.”
We'll take care of that next year: Billie Jean King
12-time Grand Slam winner Billie Jean King also talked about Roland Garros director Amelie Mauresmo’s comments and backed her to fix the problem. She said, "I don't make judgments first year.”
“I think she's done a great job and I think she'll make some changes next year," the American said. I always give two to three years, then I'm making judgment. Because I think you got to understand the job they have.”
“It's hard. She's in an amazing position of power. But if (they) keep treating us like second-class citizens we will stay second-class citizens. You want to make everyone feel important. I think normally we'll take care of that next year. Knowing her. She's a winner."