Organizers of the Madrid Open have apologized to the women’s doubles finalists of this year’s tournament after being criticized for denying the players the opportunity to deliver a speech at the trophy ceremony.
Singles World No. 3 jessica pegulaplayed with Coco Gauff I lost 6-1, 6-4 Victoria Azarenka And Beatriz Haddad Maia In the finale, Sunday said she was disappointed after organizers did not allow the finalists to address the fans. azarenka Tweeted Her son Leo found it “difficult to explain” why she was unable to speak at the ceremony.
The men’s doubles finalists were allowed to do so after their match the day before, and tournament organizers apologized to players and fans “who expected more from the Madrid Open.”
“Not giving our women’s doubles finalists the chance to address their fans at the end of the match was unacceptable and we have apologized directly to Victoria, Beatriz, Coco and Jessica,” tournament CEO Gerard Sobanian said.
Tsobanian said the tournament is working closely with the WTA to review its protocols.
“We made a mistake and it will never happen again,” he said.
Tsobaniyi did not mention other issues that have drawn criticism.
In addition to dressing the ball girls in short skirts and short tops at major men’s matches, the organizers also sparked controversy over a disparity in the size of the birthday cakes given to the tournament’s top players.
Home favorite and successful title defender Carlos Alcaraz He was presented with a scintillating cake after his semi-final win on Friday Aryan SabalenkaThe eventual female champion, got a very small cake.
Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
