PARIS (AP) — Aryna Sabalenka is the top-ranked player in women's tennis. Yet even that status didn’t spare her from competing in front of empty seats at Roland-Garros, something she says isn’t fair.
The three-time Grand Slam champion faced China’s Zheng Qinwen in the first quarterfinal match on Tuesday, beginning at 11 a.m. on Court Philippe-Chatrier. When play began, large sections of the 15,000-seat stadium were still unoccupied — a common sight in the early hours at the French Open, when many ticket holders opt for lunch or arrive later in the day.
“It was a big match and probably would make more sense to put us a little bit later just so more people could watch it,” Sabalenka said after her 7-6 (3), 6-3 win. “ I definitely think that would make more sense to kind of like move our match for a little bit later.”
But scheduling more night sessions for women is proving a tough issue to resolve for French Open tournament director Amélie Mauresmo.
Since the introduction of night sessions in 2021, only four women’s singles matches have been featured in that marquee time slot. Serena Williams played in the first-ever night match at Roland-Garros, but pandemic restrictions meant the stands were empty.
No women’s matches have been scheduled for the evening session this year, something Sabalenka said should change. Asked about her views on the fact that women haven’t played a single night match this year, the player from Belarus said they deserve “equal treatment.”
“There was a lot of ... great battles, a lot of great matches which would be cool to see as night sessions,” she said. “Just more people in the stands watching these incredible battles. And just to show ourselves to more people. I definitely agree that we deserve to be put on a bigger stage. Like better timing, more people watching.”
There was, however, one upside to the early start for Sabalenka ahead of her semifinal against four-time champion Iga Swiatek.
“I’m happy to finish earlier and then I have a half day off and I can just enjoy the city and do all the things that I have to do,” she said.
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus plays a shot against China's Qinwen Zheng during their quarterfinal match of the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates as she won the quarterfinal match of the French Tennis Open against China's Qinwen Zheng at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus serves against China's Qinwen Zheng during their quarterfinal match of the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)
LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Mohamed Salah received a rapturous welcome from Liverpool fans after coming on as a first-half substitute against Brighton on Saturday, having returned to the squad following talks with manager Arne Slot after his explosive outburst last weekend.
The Egypt forward entered in the 26th minute, following an injury to Liverpool defender Joe Gomez, to the backdrop of the home support chanting his song. There was a big roar when Salah's name was read out.
They were singing for Salah again after he swung over a corner that was headed home by Hugo Ekitike to make it 2-0 in the 60th minute. Ekitike also scored the first goal, inside the opening minute.
Salah told reporters last weekend that his relationship with Slot had broken down after being dropped for three straight games and that he felt like “someone doesn’t want me in the club.”
He was then left at home when Liverpool traveled to Inter Milan for a Champions League match on Tuesday, with Slot saying he did not know if Salah would play again for the club.
However, a few days later, Salah was back in the squad for the Brighton game after he held conversations with Slot on Friday.
Salah was an unused substitute for the 3-3 draw with Leeds last Saturday, after which he opened up on his frustrations. Before that, he'd been an unused sub in a win at West Ham and came on at halftime of a home draw against Sunderland.
Salah is Liverpool's biggest star and also the club’s record scorer in the Premier League. He has four league goals in 13 appearances this season.
He is due to head off to the Africa Cup of Nations next week and said last week he did not know what would happen while he was away.
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, centre, challenges for the ball with Brighton's Carlos Baleba, left, during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion in Liverpool, England, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, centre, during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion in Liverpool, England, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, centre, warms up prior to the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion in Liverpool, England, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah warms up prior to the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion in Liverpool, England, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah sits on the bench before the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion in Liverpool, England, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah sits on the bench before the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion in Liverpool, England, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Liverpool's manager Arne Slot applauds at the end of a Champions League, league phase, soccer match between Inter Milan and Liverpool in Milan, Italy, Tuesday, Dec.9, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah smiles as he takes part in a training session in Liverpool, England, Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
