“Long history of objectifying women!” – Tennis Twitter loses their mind over persistent misogyny in Madrid as Carlos Alcaraz gets preferential treatment over Aryna Sabalenka

Size matters, especially when it’s a birthday cake for two Top 2 players in the world, Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka. It’s not always the technical side of a sport that’s spoken about in the sporting world. A few sensitive issues always make way and become a hot topic where everyone has something to say about it. The delicate issues range from accusing a relationship for a player’s failure to body shaming a player publicly.

The most recent episode of this has been WTA ace Aryna Sabalenka getting a relatively smaller cake for her birthday than the ATP ace Carlos Alcaraz at the Madrid Open. The world saw that on the Spaniard’s birthday; he was given a double-decker cake to cut and on the other side; the Belarusian got a flatter single-decker cake.

The tennis community is in shock and has made statistical conclusions. They believe even if stats and achievements are the way by which the size of the cake is decided, then Sabalenka should be getting the bigger bite. Both are no. 2 in their rankings. Also, both have won a Grand Slam each. Sabalenka has the lead when it comes to the Masters’ series events, as she has won more of them as compared to the Spaniard.

Both players have reached the finals of the Madrid Open. Sabalenka will be going against Iga Swiatek on 6th May. Whereas Carlos Alcaraz will take on lucky loser Jan Lennard Struff on 7th May. The spice that is going around currently contains a lot of emotions and a solid past to it. In simple words, the issue is ‘men getting preferential rights over women’.

Keep Exploring: Rafael Nadal withdraws from Rome Masters, French Open in doubt

Twitteratis speak up against preferential treatment for Carlos Alcaraz over Aryna Sabalenka

Victoria Azarenka was also moved by this and took to Twitter. She felt this image accurately depicts the treatment by the tournament.

Many fans were outraged by the difference in the cakes for the two players. They thought this was a clear-cut case of men and women disparity at work. Sabalenka was seen holding her own small cake in a hallway, but Carlos’s cake was so huge that it had to be brought to court by a team of 4. Some people compared this situation to how Wimbledon trophies for both men and women are different.

Though a large section tried to diffuse the situation saying it was probably because Carlos Alcaraz is Spanish. The Madrid Open being in the heart of Spain means a little extra celebration for their star player.

There were also a few who felt this is justified. It’s justified as the size of traction bought by both players is different. Hence, their cake sizes are different. This was somewhat of a Men’s Sports is better than Women’s sports stance. It still is a bit of a misogynistic stance, nevertheless.

This is not the first time this gender-based issue has made the headlines in the racquet sport. Previously, Serena Williams at the 2018 US Open final had accused Umpire Carlos Ramos for favoring the male players. She had made a big noise that night in New York.

In the very same event, Alize Cornet had questioned the authorities when she was penalized for removing her shirt between points on which the sports bra she was wearing underneath was visible. She argued that if men do it, it’s fine. Then why can’t women do it? Later, the US Open apologized to Cornet for the penalty. Well, having a past this strong, the current issue won’t subside without a proper conclusion.

In case you missed it:

• “End this misery ffs!” – Rafael Nadal’s Rome withdrawal sends SHOCKWAVES amongst the tennis community, retirement speculations catch fire
• Former World No.1 claims Holger Rune is more entertaining than Novak Djokovic

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW