Coco Gauff joins campaign against Madrid Open’s decision to curb speech of WTA players, says they can’t ‘cut’ anyone from addressing the crowd
Gauff wants the organizers to take the blame
Follow Us
Coco Gauff (Image via: WTA)
The Madrid Open got over and it’s been a while since the finals were played. However, the tremors of that final day at the Mutua Madrid Masters are still felt by everyone around the tennis world. It’s not only about the final though. A lot that happened throughout the fortnight has had everyone talking.
The ‘cake gate’, Iga Swiatek‘s remark on late finishes, the ball models’ dress code, and the women’s doubles final speeches were the topics that caught the tennis community by storm. The fact that both the women’s doubles teams weren’t allowed to give their post-match speeches was in many ways a shocker. Coco Gauff who was part of the women’s doubles final had a few words to tell the world about the situation.
“Yeah, for me, like, I’m going to say it wasn’t about the speech, about what was said. I mean, obviously, we lost, so it probably didn’t mean as much to Vika and Bea, who won. It wasn’t so much about me wanting to speak and speak to the crowd,” said Gauff. “I guess I do think the player should address the crowd, people who came and supported the event.“
“But I think it was just more about the principle behind it, that in future cases, I don’t know if someone, maybe me or somebody else criticizes the organization or tournament, maybe deeper than what was said, I don’t know, maybe racism, homophobia, something like that. You can’t just cut, no speech, no nothing, and have to take those criticisms.”
“You look at other sporting events, a lot of people call out their organizations. Nothing wrong with that. I think the professional thing to do is keep things as normal. In tennis, we are probably one of the few sports where we give a speech.” Clearly, Gauff believed that the Madrid Open organizers should in a fair manner take all the criticism. Not letting players address the crowd after the game was simply not apt at all.
Azarenka and Maia crowned champions amidst controversy
The Belarusian-Brazillian pair of Victoria Azarenka and Beatriz Hadad Maia toppled the American partnership of Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula. 6-1 6-4 was the final scoreline as it was a comfortable win for Azarenka and Maia. However, the focus didn’t stay on the tennis for too long.
The unfortunate incident of them not being able to address the crowd took the headlines pretty soon. Many also felt that this was a funny irony. Azarenka being a mom couldn’t give a speech on Mother’s Day. What added fuel to the fire was the fact that Alcaraz was allowed to give a speech that day. After his final, he could wish his mother that day.
In case you missed it:
- Nick Kyrgios to make a SURPRISE comeback at the French Open?
- What is the prize money for the Italian Open 2023?
Stay Updated!
Vitasta Singh
(691 Articles Published)