Will Sabalenka and Osaka open door for women's night sessions?

Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Naomi Osaka and Aryna Sabalenka ended a run of 32 men's French Open night-session matches in a row By Jonathan Jurejko BBC Sport tennis news reporter Published 2 minutes ago For the first time since 2023, the French Open chose a women's match for their primetime night-session spot on Court Philippe Chatrier. Roland Garros organisers - after three years of reluctance and excuses - simply had to choose Belarusian top seed Aryna Sabalenka's fourth-round victory over Japan's Naomi Osaka. Under the lights on Monday, Sabalenka and Osaka produced a high-quality contest which underlined the WTA Tour's strength and star power. Sabalenka eventually took control to win 7-5 6-3 in one hour and 27 minutes, perhaps leaving some spectators wanting more. "I hope this is the beginning and we open the door to [more] women's night sessions," said 28-year-old Sabalenka. Osaka, also 28, added: "I'm honoured the tournament chose us to play in this slot and I hope going forward they continue to do so." Few of the near-15,000 fans inside Chatrier - which was very close to capacity - seemed upset they had not received value for money. As well as the high level of play, many lapped up the entertainment provided by two players who undoubtedly bring the X-factor. Osaka, seeded 16th, walking out in another haute couture outfit - a sparkly Eiffel Tower-inspired dress which would not look out of place in Paris Fashion Week - and a dancing Sabalenka performing the moonwalk during her on-court victory speech were both well-received. "I think the atmosphere and attention this match brought is going to show [organisers] that they should consider putting at least some women's matches at night," said Sabalenka. Meet the new Rafa planning to conquer Roland Garros Published 5 hours ago Love of tennis behind second coming of Berrettini Published 2 hours ago 'Nobody knows me' - qualifier Chwalinska into last eight Published 1 hour ago Both players showcased their preference for first-strike tennis, knocking lumps out of the ball from the baseline, in a high-level contest played at breakneck speed. Sabalenka's ability to generate more power, and the greater variety which she has developed, proved the difference. For an absorbing set and a half there was very little between the pair, until Osaka ran out of gas and Sabalenka was able to sweep to victory. "For me I thought it was really cool - she's really good for tennis and I hope I'm OK for tennis too. It was really fun to play," said Osaka. Each of the previous 32 primetime sessions - scheduled to showcase the sport to the largest possible audience in France, Europe and the US - had been allocated to men's matches. Sabalenka taking on Osaka was only the fifth women's match in 61 night-time sessions since they were introduced in 2021. Beforehand, Osaka said she felt the slot needs to be filled by a "popcorn" match - and this blockbuster certainly fit the bill. The reigning world number one taking