WTA CEO "extremely disappointed" with French Open semifinal scheduling

With rain washing out play on Wednesday, French Open officials were forced to push Thursday's scheduled semifinals back a day in order to complete quarterfinal action.

Organizers were left with conflicting match times in determining a course of action for Friday's order of play. They opted to keep both men's semifinals on Court Philippe Chatrier, stating neither match could be shifted as both are individually ticketed. Both women's semifinals will begin at 5 a.m. ET, with Ashleigh Barty facing Amanda Anisimova on Court Suzanne Lenglen and Johanna Konta battling Marketa Vondroušova on Court Simonne Mathieu.

Women's Tennis Association CEO Steve Simon was outraged by the scheduling decision and made an official statement on Thursday concerning the schedule and the underlying message of inequality the sport still faces. Simon acknowledged how unfavorable weather can cause strains on scheduling but the decision didn't sit well with him.

"We are, however, extremely disappointed by the scheduling of both women’s semifinals on outside courts. This decision is unfair and inappropriate. The four women who have played so well and made it this far have earned their right to play on the biggest stage. We believe other solutions were possible which would have been to the benefit of fans as well as all players.”

The men's semifinals kick off with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at 6:50 a.m. ET on Court Philippe Chatrier, followed by Novak Djokovic and Dominic Thiem.