Will Sabalenka and Osaka open door for women's night sessions?

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Will Sabalenka and Osaka open door for women's night sessions? Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Naomi Osaka and Aryna Sabalenka ended a run of 32 men's French Open night-session matches in a rowByJonathan Jurejko Sport tennis news reporterPublished4 hours agoFor the first time since 2023, the French Open chose a women's match for their primetime night-session spot on Court Philippe Chatrier. Roland Garros organisers - after three years of reluctance and excuses - simply had to choose Belarusian top seed Aryna Sabalenka's fourth-round victory over Japan's Naomi Osaka.

Under the lights on Monday, Sabalenka and Osaka produced a high-quality contest which underlined the WTA Tour's strength and star power. Sabalenka eventually took control to win 7-5 6-3 in one hour and 27 minutes, perhaps leaving some spectators wanting more. "I hope this is the beginning and we open the door to women's night sessions," said 28-year-old Sabalenka.

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Osaka, also 28, added: "I'm honoured the tournament chose us to play in this slot and I hope going forward they continue to do so. "Few of the near-15,000 fans inside Chatrier - which was very close to capacity - seemed upset they had not received value for money. As well as the high level of play, many lapped up the entertainment provided by two players who undoubtedly bring the X-factor.

Osaka, seeded 16th, walking out in another haute couture outfit - a sparkly Eiffel Tower-inspired dress which would not look out of place in Paris Fashion Week - and a dancing Sabalenka performing the moonwalk during her on-court victory speech were both well-received. "I think the atmosphere and attention this match brought is going to show that they should consider putting at least some women's matches at night," said Sabalenka. Meet the new Rafa planning to conquer Roland Garros Published9 hours agoLove of tennis behind second coming of Berrettini Published4 hours ago'Nobody knows me' - qualifier Chwalinska into last eight Published6 hours agoBoth players showcased their preference for first-strike tennis, knocking lumps out of the ball from the baseline, in a high-level contest played at breakneck speed.

Sabalenka's ability to generate more power, and the greater variety which she has developed, proved the difference. For an absorbing set and a half there was very little between the pair, until Osaka ran out of gas and Sabalenka was able to sweep to victory. "For me I thought it was really cool - she's really good for tennis and I hope I'm OK for tennis too.

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It was really fun to play," said Osaka. Each of the previous 32 primetime sessions - scheduled to showcase the sport to the largest possible audience in France, Europe and the US - had been allocated to men's matches. Sabalenka taking on Osaka was only the fifth women's match in 61 night-time sessions since they were introduced in 2021.

Beforehand, Osaka said she felt the slot needs to be filled by a "popcorn" match - and this blockbuster certainly fit the bill.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.