Women's tennis needs more big rivalries - Barker

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2023-06-09 13:36:51  • 3 mins

World number two Aryna Sabalenka beat Amercan Sloane Stephens in the French Open's only women's singles night-session match this tournament

Sue Barker says women's tennis needs more big rivalries to grow interest in the sport after further scheduling controversy at the French Open.

Tournament organisers have been criticised with only one of the 10 Roland Garros night sessions featuring a match from the women's draw.

American player Jessica Pegula has called the situation "disappointing".

Former French Open winner Barker, 67, said it was a "tricky situation" for tournament director Amelie Mauresmo.

The night-session match is promoted as the highlight of the day, with only Aryna Sabalenka's fourth-round contest last Sunday against Sloane Stephens scheduled at night in this year's tournament.

Only one of the 10 night matches last year involved female players.

Former world number one Mauresmo argued the men's matches had more "appeal" and it was hard to find enough stars or compelling match-ups in the women's draw.

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