Hardline Mauresmo won’t budge on dicey night matches

French Open TD Amelie Mauresmo on Wednesday defended the new-look night matches which have sparked controversy and charges the Grand Slam is being run by TV interests.

The morning after Rafael Nadal beat Novak Djokovic in a match which ended in the small hours of the morning – leaving thousand of fans unable to get home except by taxi – the former player stood up for the after-dark debacle where play began at 20.45 each night.

“The night sessions will stay, but obviously we are going to see whether we move the starting time or not,” Muresmo said.

“It’s a lot of things that we have to take into consideration, for sure.

“As far as I’m concerned, night sessions are definitely appropriate, because it was always full to the brim every night.”

The 2006 Grand Slam winner in Melbourne and Wimbledon added: “It’s the first year that I’m the tournament director. I’m learning a lot of things regarding the scheduling of the tournament. 

“Having such late matches could actually trigger some questions. I’m wondering about it myself, to be honest.”

Mauresmo   said that officials will talk strategy – including ignoring a request from Nadal’s camp not to schedule their man during the night session on Tuesday – after the event concludes on Sunday.

“We plan to meet all together and see where we want to bring the tournament, what we want to do, and what was working well, what wasn’t working so well.”

Main photo:- Rafa Nadal reigns supreme in Chatrier late night session – by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd