Maine’s Platner faces test as four US states hold midterm primary votes
Maine's Graham Platner faces a crucial primary as four states vote in midterms
Al Jazeera English1 min read
Will Sabalenka and Osaka open door for women's night sessions?
TL;DR
The French Open featured a women's match in its primetime night-session for the first time since 2023, showcasing Aryna Sabalenka's victory over Naomi Osaka. Sabalenka expressed hope that this will lead to more women's night sessions in the future.
Key points
- French Open featured women's match in primetime night-session
- Aryna Sabalenka won against Naomi Osaka
- Match lasted one hour and 27 minutes
- Sabalenka hopes for more women's night sessions
Aryna SabalenkaNaomi OsakaFrench Open
For the first time since 2023, the French Open chose a women's match for their primetime night-session spot on Court Philippe Chatrier.
Roland Garros organisers - after three years of reluctance and excuses - simply had to choose Belarusian top seed Aryna Sabalenka's fourth-round victory over Japan's Naomi Osaka.
Under the lights on Monday, Sabalenka and Osaka produced a high-quality contest which underlined the WTA Tour's strength and star power.
Sabalenka eventually took control to win 7-5 6-3 in one hour and 27 minutes, perhaps leaving some spectators wanting more.
"I hope this is the beginning and we open the door to [more] women's night sessions," said 28-year-old Sabalenka.
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."
Few of the near-15,000 fans inside Chatrier - which was very close to capacity - seemed upset they had not received value for money.
As well as the high level of play, many lapped up the entertainment provided by two players who undoubtedly bring the X-factor.
Osaka, seeded 16th, walking out in another haute couture outfit - a sparkly Eiffel Tower-inspired dress which would not look out of place in Paris Fashion Week - and a dancing Sabalenka performing the moonwalk during her on-court victory speech were both well-received.
"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," said Sabalenka.
Both players showcased their preference for first-strike tennis, knocking lumps out of the ball from the baseline, in a high-level contest played at breakneck speed.
Sabalenka's ability to generate more power, and the greater variety which she has developed, proved the difference.
For an absorbing set and a half there was very little between the pair, until Osaka ran out of gas and Sabalenka was able to sweep to victory.
"For me I thought it was really cool - she's really good for tennis and I hope I'm OK for tennis too. It was really fun to play," said Osaka.
Each of the previous 32 primetime sessions - scheduled to showcase the sport to the largest possible audience in France, Europe and the US - had been allocated to men's matches.
Sabalenka taking on Osaka was only the fifth women's match in 61 night-time sessions since they were introduced in 2021.
Beforehand, Osaka said she felt the slot needs to be filled by a "popcorn" match - and this blockbuster certainly fit the bill.
The reigning world number one taking on a former world number one.
A four-time Grand Slam champion pitted against another four-time Grand Slam champion.
Q&A
What was significant about the French Open's night session this year?
For the first time since 2023, the French Open selected a women's match for its primetime night-session.
Who played in the French Open night session that highlighted women's tennis?
Belarusian top seed Aryna Sabalenka faced Japan's Naomi Osaka in the night session.
What was the outcome of the match between Sabalenka and Osaka?
Aryna Sabalenka won the match against Naomi Osaka with a score of 7-5, 6-3.
What did Aryna Sabalenka say about future women's night sessions?
Sabalenka expressed hope that this match would open the door to more women's night sessions at the French Open.
