"Second Class Citizens" - Billie Jean King is critical
Tennis great Billie Jean King has criticized the organizers of the French Open for the lack of women's matches in prominent TV slots.
by SID
last edit: Jun 05, 2022, 08:08 am
"You have to start it at prime time and think about how you can give both sexes equal opportunities," King said. "If we continue to treat ourselves as second-class citizens, we will remain second-class citizens."
The organizers of Roland Garros had scheduled nine men's matches in ten night sessions this year. On the game date, late at night, the strongest match of the day, on paper, should take place. Tournament director Amelie Mauresmo initially said that the men's games were more attractive for this slot. She later retracted this statement.
King also calls for two winning sets for men
"There should be as many games for women as there are for men. Very simple," affirmed the American King. In this context, the 78-year-old demanded that both men and women should play two winning sets instead of three.
According to King, this would only benefit the pros as it would reduce attrition from long matches. "As the players get older, I want them to be able to play," said the 12-time Grand Slam winner.
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