Emma Raducanu Criticizes Prioritizing Men’s Matches Over Women’s Scheduling

The 2026 Australian Open has sparked a noteworthy discussion regarding the treatment of women’s matches in scheduling compared to their male counterparts. Emma Raducanu, the 2021 U.S. Open champion and current No. 28 seed, voiced her concerns during a pre-tournament news conference. She emphasized the difficulties of scheduling women’s matches after potentially lengthy men’s matches.

Emma Raducanu’s Critique of Scheduling

Raducanu pointed to historical precedents where women’s matches were delayed by extended men’s games. For instance, at the 2024 U.S. Open, Aryna Sabalenka and Ekaterina Alexandrova’s match began after midnight due to previous men’s matches running long. This trend of late finishes raises questions about fairness in match scheduling.

Context of Current Scheduling Practices

Raducanu’s upcoming match against Mananchaya Sawangkaew from Thailand is scheduled for a potentially late start on Margaret Court Arena. This match follows a contest between Jenson Brooksby and Alexander Bublik. Raducanu expressed her dissatisfaction with this order, stating, “To me, it doesn’t really make as much sense.”

• Concerns Raised by Raducanu: The challenges involved in adjusting to late match schedules.
• Historical Examples: Recent U.S. Open matches began or finished in the early hours, impacting player performance.
• Shift in Schedule: Tennis Australia’s decision to change to a 15-day tournament format starting in 2025 aimed to ease scheduling conflicts.

The Impact of Late Matches on Players

Raducanu noted that a women’s match’s lengthy duration could lead to complications for subsequent matches, affecting player warm-up and energy management. With night session tickets covering two matches, fans might leave after a long men’s match, impacting viewership and the dynamics of the following women’s game.

Adapting to Night Conditions

In preparation for her late match, Raducanu scheduled a practice session for 9 p.m. on Saturday. She aims to acclimate herself to the differing conditions that nighttime tennis presents. Cooler temperatures and varying wind conditions can significantly affect gameplay, influencing ball speed and bounce.

Raducanu acknowledged the need to adapt to these changes, learning how to manage her schedule and energy levels effectively. “It’s a new experience, something that I need to learn to do,” she stated.

Her proactive approach exemplifies the adjustments athletes must make in response to scheduling challenges, particularly those that disproportionately affect female players. As discussions about equality in tennis continue, Raducanu’s voice represents a growing concern for fair treatment in match scheduling.

In summary, the Australian Open’s scheduling practices have sparked significant debate. With players like Emma Raducanu advocating for better consideration of women’s matches in relation to men’s, the tennis community is urged to reflect on how they can better structure tournaments for all competitors.