Night sessions brought forward half hour at French Open

Paris, April 22 : The traditional night sessions at this years French Open will start 30 minutes than that of the last edition, the tournament director Amelie Mauresmo said in a press conference.

Last years schedule of night matches sparked some criticism as late finishes might cause problems for fans using public transport to go back home, and also meant less rest for players, reports Xinhua.

Fourteen-time Roland Garros champion Rafael Nadal has publicly expressed that he didnt want to play on the night.For the 2023 tournament, which takes place from May 28 to June 11, there will again be 10 night matches, from May 29 to June 7 and will all start at 8:30 pm on Court Philippe Chatrier."There will be a 30-minute interactive show with the crowd before the match, and we are trying to offer something really special for this unique match," Mauresmo said.

"But its not possible for the operators of the transport system to change its timetable for the last metros."The former womens world No.1 had thrown herself into controversy last year for her comments that womens matches had less "appeal" when explaining why nine of the 10-night sessions involved mens matches.She rejected to talk about the quota this year.

"We want to wait until the draw is done and wait on the day to see what matches we might have and which one is going to be the best - the match of the day.For me everything is open," the two-time Grand Slam winner said.Nadal had confirmed he will miss the Madrid Open, which starts on 25 April, and there is doubt over his participation at the clay-court major in May."Its obviously a possibility for him not to be able to be fit to come here to Roland Garros," Mauresmo said about potential Nadals absence."But the only thing I know for sure is that if there is one tournament he doesnt want to miss, it is this one.We are still five weeks away from the main draw.I am still hopeful, and Ill keep my fingers crossed.

"It will be hard (to imagine Roland Garros without him).It would be hard if he doesnt come, to be honest," the 43-year-old said.cs #French #Paris #Madrid.