French Open 2024: Horrendous Coco Gauff Blunder Over Ons Jabeur Forces Tennis Journalist to Expose Harsh Scheduling Reality

Coco Gauff is on a stellar run at the French Open, where she has now secured a spot in the quarterfinal round. With a spectacular display of her prowess on the Parisian clay, the American tennis prodigy has dazzled a flurry of her fans in the tennis community. However, for her fans in the US, the excitement of keeping tabs on Gauff’s campaign has turned into disappointment owing to the harsh scheduling of her quarterfinal match.

The current number 3 player will now square off against the 8th seed, Ons Jabeur, for a place in the semifinal round of the Roland Garros. Gauff and Jabeur’s blockbuster clash will start at 5 am ET, and the scheduling has stirred a huge debate among many who are questioning the night session match in Paris.

Even renowned journalist David Law took to social media to vent his disappointment as he lashed out at the schedule of the quarterfinal match featuring ‘America’s biggest current tennis star.’

He tweeted, “I have a lot of thoughts about the scheduling of this tennis tournament. But let’s put all of them aside for a moment and focus on this: Can someone, anyone, explain the logic of putting America’s biggest current tennis star, Coco Gauff, on in the middle of the night in the US?”

As Gauff’s opponent Ons Jabeur also told the media, “Who said it’s healthy to play past 1 a.m., and who said the stadium was full for 1 a.m. or 2 a.m.? I don’t know who is watching the matches at that time.” 

After defeating Elisabetta Cocciaretto 6-1, 6-2, Gauff will play Ons Jabeur will play their match on Court Philippe-Chatrier. It is set to begin at 11:00 am local time which will be challenging for American viewers to watch the final American in the women’s singles draw in action.

It’s not the first tiem scheduling issues are being discussed at Grand Slams, as Jabeur pointed out, “We talked about this in Australia. We are still talking about this here. Even for you, the journalists, I don’t think it’s healthy to have these night matches. It’s for everybody I’m speaking.”

Other tennis fans in the US also flocked to social media as they questioned the schedule of Gauff’s night session match at the French Open.

Fans call out disparity of French Open’s schedule of Coco Gauff’s match

Tennis coverage, especially in the US, leaves much to be desired as is. From Tennis Channel’s repetitive errors to Prime Video receiving flak at the French Open, it’s no wonder David Law ignited a host of fan fury.

In the comments section, a fan labeled it a ‘poor decision’ given that the reigning US Open champion has a big potential rating win for their country. “David, great point. I’m on the west coast (Portland, OR)… realizing this morning that I totally missed that match. Seems like a poor decision given that Coco’s a big potential ratings win for the U.S. Hope her next round scheduling is better!” The hope is somehow still alive on both coasts it seems.

Another fan was ‘disappointed’ to see the harsh scheduling of the women’s singles matches at a Grand Slam event. “So disappointing, can’t get to see any of the women’s matches live, once again this year. 2 matches on now, both men..”

This gender disparity regarding timings has been noted at Roland Garros as well, where weather conditions have wreaked havoc in scheduling. The biggest court here, Philippe Chatrier, has witnessed every opening game as a women’s singles match, whereas every night match has been a men’s singles match. Notably, the latter is a separately ticketed session which begins at 8:15 p.m.

While hypothetically comparing Djokovic’s match to Gauff’s match, another user brought to light the coverage disparity between men’s and women’s matches as well. “Knowing the American networks covering tennis and this tournament in particular, who is to say they would even cover this match in full? If Djokovic was on, they would probably only do cut ins on the Coco match. It’s sad. Very disappointed on how this has been covered.”

After repetitive calling out, it’s fairly disappointing to see next to no changes.

A fan called it a ‘bummer’ while suggesting how she would move Gauff’s match to a smaller court in Paris in order to adjust the scheduling for the US fans. “I’m on Pacific time and I basically haven’t been able to watch her at all. I would way rather they put her on a smaller court later in the day than a big court when it’s impossible for us in the U.S. to watch. It’s a bummer.” Coco Gauff is leading the charge for American tennis in the WTA and yet, what’s the use if no one is watching her?

Meanwhile, a user hilariously asserted that she will need to set an alarm for 4 am in the US as the American tennis prodigy’s match will start at 5 am. “Guess I need to set the alarm for 4am. Love the pod. Keep up the great work.” Waking up at ungodly hours for our faves it is!

What are your thoughts on the continous scheduling fiasco at the French Open? Let us know in the comments section below.