Coco Gauff has been on fire on and off the court since the French Open began. Amid some other lighthearted and hilarious moments, the World No. 2 criticized the decision French Tennis Federation president Gilles Moretton and Roland Garros organizers made to only place men's matches in the primetime slot.

“I don't think that a woman should play after the men at 8:15,” Gauff said. “I just think that's unfair.” She went on the justify her position through her own experiences as a tennis pro.

“I feel like we produce some high-quality tennis, and we have some great stars on the women's side who fans, I'm sure, would love to see,” Gauff said. “From my experience, playing at the US Open night match at 7 p.m. with Novak [Djokovic] following me, and he's the greatest player of all time, people were almost just as excited to see me play as [they were to see] him.

“Same with other places I play, like Australia. Night match, people were excited to see [me] too,” Gauff elaborated. “I definitely think there is opportunity to improve that in the future with this tournament.”

Since the French Open's night spots were introduced in 2022, 32 of the 34 matches have been given to men, while the women were assigned all four of 2025's openers, which is the time slot that usually draws the smallest crowds. Gauff used this disparity to further explain her point.

“If they're going to put two slots and the first match is starting at 8:15, I don't think a women's match should be played after a men's match,” Gauff said. “I just don't think people should be going on at 11 [p.m.] or 12 [a.m.] to be honest.

Article Continues Below
More Tennis News
Aryna Sabalenka returns a shot during the womenÕs singles final against Coco Gauff of the United States on day 14 at Roland Garros Stadium.
Berlin Open news: World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka bows out of 2nd-straight tournament with semifinal lossSteve Silverman ·
Coco Gauff of the United States celebrates winning the womenís singles final against Aryna Sabalenka on day 14 at Roland Garros Stadium.
Coco Gauff breaks silence on ‘tough’ 1st loss after French Open winJess Koffie ·
Mar 18, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Sofia Kenin (USA) waves to the crowd after her match against Petra Kvitova (CZE)(not pictured) on day one of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Two-time Wimbledon champ announces retirementZachary Draves ·
Coco Gauff of the United States poses with Aryna Sabalenka after their match on day 14 at Roland Garros Stadium.
Aryna Sabalenka apologizes to Coco Gauff after ‘unprofessional’ commentsRishav Bhat ·
Nike Air Tech Challenge II release
Nike Air Tech Challenge II returning June 2025Dominik Zawartko ·
Professional tennis player Coco Gauff (l) and journalist Arielle Chambers (r) prior to the game between the Chicago Sky and the New York Liberty at Barclays Center.
Coco Gauff’s Liberty locker room turn-up has fans going wildJess Koffie ·

“If they are going to put one match at 8:15, for sure there could be an opportunity to put a woman there,” Gauff concluded.

Gauff's comments double down on the statement fellow French Open competitor Ons Jabeur made earlier the same week, calling for better scheduling.

“It's still sad that we are still seeing this. I keep standing by my words,” Jabeur said. “In Europe, in general, it's unfortunate for women's sports in general.

“You know, it's a bit ironic. They don't show women's sport, they don't show women's tennis, and then they [say], ‘Yeah, but mostly they watch men.' Of course they watch men more because you show men more,” Jabeur explained. “Everything goes together.”

Gauff is in action at the French Open next when she takes on Czechia's Marie Bouzková at 8:50 a.m. ET.