Andre Agassi once SPARKED controversy by claiming it was difficult to concentrate with ‘hot’ models as ball girls
The 2023 Madrid Open ball model controversy reminds us of the famous Andre Agassi comment during the 2004 edition of the event.
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The 2023 Madrid Masters sparked a discussion on the Ball Models being used in the men’s games during the tournament. So much has been said over the last fortnight about this not being an ideal way to go ahead. Many spectators have time and again demanded traditional ball kids at the event. However, the change has not been seen. The discussion reminded everyone of the Andre Agassi moment in 2004.
2004 was one of the first times the event used the ball models. What made the whole change memorable was Agassi’s comment on the whole new system after his second-round win over Max Mirnyi.
When asked about the match, Agassi to start with joked, “It was difficult, to say the least, to concentrate on the ball, but I suppose I had an advantage – I’m used to playing with my wife (Steffi Graf).” He felt that he had an advantage as his wife, Steffi Graf was herself very pretty and he has been able to concentrate with such beauty around him. The American superstar also had some advice to offer for the outfit of the models. “The (long, slit) skirts look like they’re a little difficult to run in – I think they need to be shorter maybe.”
He also then came up with his own opinion on the use of models as ball girls. “I need some time to let it absorb. It’s important for our sport to understand its product clearly… but I’m not quite convinced it’s part of our product.” Agassi certainly wasn’t in favor of this module and felt this is not the ideal way to promote tennis. He felt the sport needed much more professionalism in this aspect.
Ball models are seen making more errors than ball kids
The models are given training just a few weeks before the tournament begins. Thus it’s quite normal for them to make errors during the event. The event saw the umpires correct the ball models many times during the matches. In Agassi’s match itself, the umpire had to draw the attention of a confused ball girl to get her to the other side of the net.
Many officials also felt that the skirts and tight tops of the ball models can prove to be distracting for the players. This kind of distraction is certainly not ideal for the sport to move in the right direction. Years later 2023 is seeing a similar argument brewing. Many opinions and all the fans would want is a concrete change for the betterment of the sport.
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Vitasta Singh
(691 Articles Published)