‘We Will Stay Second-Class Citizens’- Legendary Billie Jean King Slams French Open Director Over Her Discouraging Comments on Women’s Matches

The French Open has given us many unexpected twists and turns during its span. However, we have also been able to witness some contentious issues which have raised concerns among many players.

The issue of conducting major men’s matches at night has brought heavy criticism from legendary tennis player, Billie Jean King. She has vehemently raised her voice for the equality of women in the sport.

Billie Jean King on treating women as ‘second-class citizens’

Billie Jean King made her discontent clear about the number of matches held for women at night. The schedule preferred men’s matches at night over women’s so that the ticket holders could watch a match for a longer period.

She contested that and said, “You want to make everyone feel important. They should have the same amount of women’s matches as they do men’s. Real easy. If [they] keep treating us like second-class citizens, we will stay second-class citizens.”

She criticized the French Open for conducting only one women’s match out of 10 night sessions. Director of the French Open, Amelie Mauresmo, recently apologized for describing women’s matches as ‘less appealing’ than men’s.

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Billie Jean King showed faith in the director. She said, “We should have more matches, but I think Amelie will take care of that next year. Knowing her, she’s a winner.”

Making a three-set match criteria

Billie also expressed her views on conducting a three-set match for men instead of five. She said, “I have been saying forever we should only play two out of three sets. As the players get older, I want them to be able to play.” She gave the example of Rafael Nadal and said, “Nadal is one – do you want him to stop? I never want him to stop. I want to make it possible for them to win.”

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Billie Jean King is the founder of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and has always raised her voice for the equality of women in the sport. The French Open’s director has also assured that she would make considerable changes so that the sport will eventually be more egalitarian in the near future.