Recently Amelie Mauresmo, the French Open director and former coach of British legend Andy Murray, passed a very controversial statement. Upon being questioned about why women’s matches are not getting night slots as much as men’s at the 2022 French Open. Mauresmo, who herself was a WTA player, gave a rather disheartening reply. She called Women’s matches less appealing.
Mauresmo is in her first year as the French Open’s first female tournament director and this comment might endanger her position. As her statement has angered not only fans but also many entities, especially women. So much so that the current WTA No.1 Iga Swiatek openly addressed her disbelief.
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Iga Swiatek reacts to Mauresmo’s words
The Polish professional is one of the best player tennis has ever seen. In fact, veterans of both women and men’s tennis have acknowledged her prowess. However, she herself has played no night matches this season. Though that wasn’t an issue for her until she stumbled upon the reason behind it. When Swiatek learned about the Mauresmo statement. She said, “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.”
Thereafter the 2020 French Open champion added, “It is a little bit disappointing and surprising because she was also in WTA. 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. So it depends on personal views.”
DIVE DEEPER
Further, the pole seems to be one of the most apt contender for this year’s title. The World No. 1 seems to be blowing past opponents one after the other.
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Who is Swiatek’s next opponent?
After a dropping a set in the fourth round, Swiatek defeated Jessica Pegula in straight sets of 6-3, 6-2 in quarterfinals of the French Open. Now she is gearing up to lock horns with the Russian Daria Kasatkina. The 21-year-old has played against the Russian four times earlier, out of which she has secured three wins. The only time she lost was on grass. Speaking of surface, this will be their first clash on clay.
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However, as Swiatek is riding high on form and is having a winning streak of 33 matches now. It looks like she will take down the 25-year-old with ease. The semifinal is scheduled on 2nd May 6:30 PM at Philippe-Chatrier court.
Source: | This article originally belongs to Essentially Sports
