Danielle Collins Highlights the Benefits of Having Women’s Tennis in Night Sessions at Roland Garros

Danielle Collins got knocked out of the French Open after her defeat to Serbia's Olga Danilovic in the second round.

Danielle Collins Highlights the Benefits of Having Women’s Tennis in Night Sessions at Roland Garros

Danielle Collins (Image via X/Australian Open)

Danielle Collins‘ Roland Garros run ended on May 28th. She knocked out Britain’s Jodie Anna Burrage but failed to move past Serbian ace Olga Danilovic.

Following her match, the 31-year-old was asked in the press conference about her views on the Roland Garros’ scheduling controversy. Some feel that the organizers are biased toward the Men’s matches and schedule them during the night sessions on Court Philippe-Chatrier, the biggest court at Roland Garros. The American stated that she hasn’t paid much heed to the schedule but advocated for the night sessions for the Women’s matches.

I’m always just focused on trying to do my job and do it the best as possible. But I do think there’s a lot of benefits to having the women on during the night matches. We attract a lot of fans. A lot of crowd. We create a lot of discussion around the game overall. I think there is certainly value there having us on the night schedule as well.

Danielle Collins said at the press conference

Defending champion Iga Swiatek and 2023 US Open champion Coco Gauff like to play during the day session. Swiatek said if she finishes her matches early, she can have a longer rest. Gauff thinks no player wants to play in the night session as matches may take longer to end. Mirra Andreeva, on the other hand, said that she likes to play on Suzanne Lenglen more than Philippe-Chatrier.

Collins entered the Roland Garros after losing the Strasbourg Open semifinal to Liudmila Samsonova. She hasn’t yet tasted success this year, with her last title being the 2024 Charleston Open. Last year, she announced her retirement as she wanted to start a family but postponed her retirement due to health issues.

Mirra Andreeva makes her feelings known about the lack of Women’s matches during the night session

Mirra Andreeva has booked herself a berth in the third round of the French Open. On May 29th, she went past America’s Ashlyn Krueger to schedule a third-round clash with Yulia Putintseva. Following her match, the Russian teenager was asked about the lack of Women’s matches at night.

Mirra Andreeva (2)
Mirra Andreeva (Image via X/The Tennis Letter)

Andreeva also believes her playing doubles matches in the clay-court tournament is one of the reasons behind her getting a day session slot. She said that she would be able to give insightful answers to these controversies after getting more experience on the tour.

And for me, doesn’t really matter when I play. I know now probably I’m not gonna play the night session soon because I still have doubles. Today, after this I have my doubles match. For me, doesn’t really matter if they put me night session, I’m happy. If they put me first match, it’s been working well so far.

Mirra Andreeva said at the press conference

She produced her best Grand Slam performance in 2024, reaching the semifinal of the French Open (lost to eventual runner-up Jasmine Paolini). In the first Grand Slam of this season, the 18-year-old lost to eventual runner-up Aryna Sabalenka in the fourth round.

Andreeva so far has won two titles this season. She lifted the biggest trophy of her career at the Dubai Dubai Open by beating Clara Tauson and went on to win back-to-back WTA 1000 titles by upsetting Sabalenka in the Indian Wells final.

If Andreeva reaches the quarterfinal, she could set up a match against 2024 US Open finalist Jessica Pegula. In the semifinal, she could meet Coco Gauff, whom she locked horns with four times (twice this season), losing all the matches. Andreeva is projected to face three-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka or five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek in the final.

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