The 2025 French Open is heating up, but it’s not just the on-court action making headlines. Coco Gauff’s former coach, Diego Moyano, has raised serious concerns over what he describes as “questionable scheduling” of the high-stakes second-round match between Iga Swiatek and Emma Raducanu. The match, which has attracted global attention due to the star power of both players, was controversially placed in an early afternoon slot, sparking backlash from fans and experts alike.
Swiatek, the world No. 1 and defending champion, is widely seen as the queen of clay, while Raducanu, the 2021 US Open winner, is on a comeback trail that has thrilled British fans and tennis lovers worldwide. Their clash was expected to draw millions of viewers globally, but the scheduling choice has raised eyebrows, with many questioning why such a marquee matchup wasn’t given a prime-time evening slot.
Moyano did not hold back in his criticism. “A match like Swiatek vs. Raducanu deserves the spotlight. These are two of the most followed players in women’s tennis right now, and fans were expecting to see this on a major stage,” he said in an interview. “It feels like a missed opportunity by tournament organizers.”
The decision has fueled speculation that the French Open schedulers are prioritizing local players and certain narratives over global viewership and fan engagement. Many fans took to social media, calling the scheduling “tone-deaf” and “out of touch,” especially when lesser-known matches were granted more favorable times on center court.
Some analysts believe the issue may have deeper implications. “This isn’t just about timing—it’s about visibility, sponsorship value, and respect for the game,” said tennis journalist Lucy Hammond. “Emma Raducanu’s return to form and Swiatek’s dominance are two of the biggest stories in women’s tennis. This was a golden moment to showcase that.”
Adding to the controversy is the fact that Raducanu’s team reportedly requested a later time slot due to her recent recovery from injury and her preference for evening matches. The request was denied without explanation, fueling further criticism from her camp.
Despite the distractions, both players remained composed on court. Swiatek took the match in straight sets, showing why she remains the woman to beat on clay. Raducanu, although defeated, displayed glimpses of brilliance that suggested her best is yet to come.
After the match, Swiatek commented diplomatically, saying, “I just focus on my game, no matter the time or the court. But of course, playing a big match like this in front of a packed evening crowd would have been amazing.”
As the tournament progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if the French Open organizers reconsider their approach to scheduling—especially when it comes to women’s tennis, which continues to fight for equal visibility and respect.
In the meantime, the debate ignited by Moyano’s remarks has added another layer of intrigue to a tournament already full of drama, talent, and surprises.
