Tennis legend Billie Jean King thinks Roland-Garros should feature more women’s games in the evening, for the sake of fairness and because it’s the best way to showcase the players.
In a press conference at Roland-Garros on Saturday, King added that according to her, the director of the tournament, Amélie Mauresmo, will correct the situation in 2023. This year, only one evening session out of 10 has put the ladies in the spotlight.
Mauresmo said Wednesday that men’s tennis is more attractive right now, citing the difficulty of scheduling a highly anticipated women’s match.
“What is certain is that it will stay like this if we don’t have more games [féminins] King said.
“You have to put them on during prime time. You always want to keep in mind to give equal opportunities to both genders. »
The 78-year-old American was elected to the Tennis Hall of Fame in 1987 for a career where she reached No. 1 in the world and won 39 Grand Slam titles, including 12 in singles.
She was inducted again last year along with the other members of the “Original 9” who laid the foundations of the WTA in the 1970s.
“If they keep treating us like second-class people, we’re going to stay that way,” King said. You want everyone to feel important. I think Amélie will see to it next year [avoir plus de matchs féminins en soirée]. »
On Friday, King received the Legion of Honor at the Élysée Palace, invited by French President Emmanuel Macron.
King’s contributions to women’s sports, gender equality and LGBTQ rights have been highlighted.
On Thursday, King was honored by the French Tennis Federation for her playing career and activism.
This is the 50th anniversary of his triumph on clay in Paris in 1972.