Roland Garros director apologizes for comments about "women's tennis"
French Open director Amelie Mauresmo has apologized for saying women's tennis was less attractive than men's, saying her comments were taken out of context.
Mauresmo's comments came after questions were raised about the schedule of the matches of the major tournament, which will be held on sandy grounds at the Roland Garros stadiums in the French capital.
One night match will be held within the tournament program every day at 2100 local time (1900 GMT) from the first Monday in the tournament until the quarter-finals.
Nine of the 10 matches scheduled at this time were men's matches, raising more questions about how the players finish matches early in the major tournaments.
In response to questions about the program of matches, Mauresmo said that the men's matches are more exciting.
"First of all, I took my statements out of their general context, out of context, and I would like to apologize to the players who were angry because of my statements," Mauresmo said in statements quoted by the Tennis Channel last night.
"Once again, everyone who has known me and my career knows that I am a strong advocate for (gender) equality, for women's tennis and for women in general," added the former player, winner of two major titles.
Mauresmo indicated that the tournament will reconsider the schedule of matches, especially the night ones, next year.
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