Ons Jabeur admits she was frustrated with the reaction to her calling out the French Open as the Tunisian believes there are “a lot of ignorant” people out there who don’t understand what’s the message she wants to send.
After the French Open started and the organizers continued their tradition of putting men’s matches in the prime time slot, the former second-ranked WTA player called out the organizers over their treatment of women and went as far as to state that they probably “did not have daughters.”
Jabeur’s strong remarks made all the headlines and were definitely heard. A few days later, the three-time Grand Slam finalist issued a lengthy social media message, where she further explained her point.
You don’t have to agree , just read with an open heart❤️ pic.twitter.com/pmJnWhgy6L
— Ons Jabeur (@Ons_Jabeur) May 30, 2025
However, not everyone agreed with the Tunisian’s take. And not only that, but some responded by criticizing the 30-year-old.
Jabeur: I had to speak up
“I couldn’t keep my silence anymore. I’ve seen a lot of bad comments and especially after I spoke about the French Open and night sessions and some people were tweeting about empty seats and I’m like, ‘You guys don’t understand anything. You don’t know what’s really happening.’ It’s like a lot of ignorant people. And for me, I’m like, I really cannot keep it inside anymore. It’s frustrating to me as a woman, to any woman athlete around the world and I want to be part of the people that would speak up. I would not want to stay silent,” the former world No. 2 told The National.
When the French Open organizers were asked about Jabeur’s comments and statements by some other WTA stars, tournament director Amelie Mauresmo didn’t agree that men were receiving preferential treatment. But, truth be told, not many believed Mauresmo’s comments.
Meanwhile, Jabeur disappointingly exited Wimbledon in the first round on Monday. With Viktoriya Tomova leading 7-6 (5) 2-0, the 30-year-old Tunisian retired after feeling unwell.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
