Aryna Sabalenka has soared into the semi-finals of the French Open, where she will take on WTA rival Iga Swiatek.
Coco Gauff has been tipped for French Open success ahead of both Sabalenka and Swiatek, with the American preparing for her quarter-final.
She will play compatriot Madison Keys for a spot in the semi-final, with the victor taking on the winner of Mirra Andreeva versus Lois Boisson.
But the WTA side of the Grand Slam has not been without controversy, with Rennae Stubbs shocked about the absence of French Open women’s night matches.
ATP matches have dominated the French Open evening sessions, with that trend continuing after Sabalenka played her quarter-final with Zheng in Tuesday’s day session.
Aryna Sabalenka suggests French Open scheduling mistake after quarter-final win
After beating Qinwen Zheng 7-6(7-3), 6-3, the Belarusian was asked in her post-match press conference to address the issue of empty seats at Court Philippe-Chatrier.
She replied: “I did not really look in the crowd but it felt like there was a lot of people. I agree it was a big match and it probably would make more sense to put us a little bit later so more people could watch it.
“But at the same time I am happy to finish earlier and then I have a half day off and I can just enjoy the city and all the things I have to do. But talking about that, I definitely think that it would make more sense to move our match for a little bit later.”
Aryna Sabalenka makes French Open women’s and men’s ‘equal treatment’ claim
It is indeed ATP number two Carlos Alcaraz who has been scheduled for Tuesday’s night session, with the Spaniard taking on Tommy Paul.
Sabalenka meanwhile took on Zheng after three-time defending champion Swiatek knocked out Elina Svitolina.
READ MORE: Aryna Sabalenka now reveals why she was ‘actually glad’ to lose to Qinwen Zheng on clay recently
Doubles matches also helped fill the day session, along with the men’s quarter-final between Frances Tiafoe and Lorenzo Musetti.
Continuing her verdict on the French Open schedule and the absence of night matches for women, Sabalenka added: “I definitely agree with that (it should be equal) and definitely I have to say that we deserve the equal treatment like you said.
“There was a lot of great battles and great matches which would be cool to see as night sessions, just so more people in the stands watching these incredible battles.
“And just to show ourselves to more people. So I definitely agree that we deserve to be put in the bigger stage, with better timing and more people watching.”
The scheduling complaints are likely to continue given the plans for Wednesday, where Novak Djokovic’s meeting with Alexander Zverev is the match occupying the night session spot.
Earlier in the day Gauff meets Keys and Andreeva takes on Boisson on the WTA Tour, with ATP number one Jannik Sinner playing Alexander Bublik.
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