What should have been a celebratory weekend for Madrid Open tennis champions Arnya Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz was at least somewhat dimmed by complaints of unequal treatment. And that wasn’t the only controversy to surface over the course of the tournament.
In a happy coincidence, Sabalenka — who defeated World No. 1 Iga Switek in the women’s final − and Alcaraz − who downed Jan-Lennard Struff for the men’s title − both celebrated birthdays on Friday. And both were presented with birthday cakes by tournament officials.
However, when photos of the two players posing with their pastries were posted side-by-side, the difference was readily apparent. Women’s doubles champion Victoria Azarenka, who was part of another unrelated controversy two days later, called attention to it on social media.
Madrid Open cake controversy
Tournament director Feliciano Lopez responded to the criticism by pointing out Alcaraz, 20, had just won his semifinal match on center court when he received his gigantic birthday cake. And the Spaniard was playing in front of his home fans.
Meanwhile, the Belarussian-born Sabalenka, who just turned 25, received a single-tier cake after her semifinal win.
“That doesn’t look right,” world No. 27 Bianca Andreescu of Canada commented.
Another men’s player, Holger Rune, also celebrated his birthday during the tournament and received a cake similar in size to Sabalenka’s, tournament officials pointed out.
Women’s doubles finalists have speeches canceled
Meanwhile, Azarenka and her doubles partner Beatriz Haddad-Maia defeated Americans Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula in Sunday’s final, but in a break with tradition were not given an opportunity to address the crowd after the match.
The finalists in men’s doubles and both the men’s and women’s singles were all allowed to offer their remarks at the event.
Gauff was particularly upset, but remained upbeat as she voiced her concerns on social media.
“Wasn’t given the chance to speak after the final today:( But thank you to the fans for supporting us and women’s tennis this week!” she tweeted.
There was no official explanation why the women’s doubles speeches were canceled. However, the tournament has faced criticism in the past for its scheduling of women’s matches. Swiatek noted in her speech after the women’s singles final that her semifinal didn’t finish until 1 a.m.
Ball girl outfits undergo abrupt change
Another controversy brewing throughout the fortnight in Madrid involved the attire of the courtside attendants.
On the main court during men’s matches, the all-female ball crew wore short skirts and midriff-baring tops − while younger ball boys and girls in more conservative outfits were on duty at the outer courts.
After complaints were raised, including those from fans watching on television, the revealing outfits seen through the semifinal round were replaced by three-quarter-length skirts for Sunday’s men’s final.