Undeniably a double standard for women: Serena’s husband on people criticizing female athletes showing emotions


Undeniably a double standard for women: Serena’s husband on people criticizing female athletes showing emotions

Serena Williams Alexis Ohanian

Alexis Ohanian (right) doesn’t feel wrong when women athletes showcase their emotions while playing.

Emotions coming out of athletes on the field of play is a common sight. However, it is unfortunate when people give biased judgments based on the sex of that player. Alexis Ohanian, husband of Serena Williams, feels the same way when people do not like female athletes, for showing emotions during the course of the match.

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Double standards have no place in sports: Alexis Ohanian

Serena Williams (right) arguing with umpire during her 2018 US Open final match against Naomi Osaka.

It so happened when a twitter user posted a video of football icon Cristiano Ronaldo crying after his team’s loss in a football match. To this, another user replied, “But remember when Serena Williams threw her tennis racket in frustration after losing a match it was called a ‘meltdown’?”

Ohanian reposted this tweet and said, “Love when all athletes get mad, get sad, get emotional because that’s what we all watch for – humans pushing themselves to be the very best, which is raw and real entertainment. Undeniably a double standard when it comes to women, though.”

The 38-year old American has often been in controversy for her behaviour on the court. She has often been seen smashing rackets on the court or arguing with chair umpire when things don’t go her way. In 2018 US Open final, Serena was given a one-game penalty for fighting with the umpire against her match with Naomi Osaka. However, what Alexis (funder of Reddit), feels inappropriate is that women are always targeted for bursting out emotions while men get reprieved. The 37-year old wants such double standards to get eliminated from sports.

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Nevertheless, the 23-time Grand Slam champion will think not to get distracted as the US Open is beginning from 31st August. Serene has a golden chance to add a 24th Major to her tally as many top stars are giving the tournament a miss. If Serena wins at the Flushing Meadows, she will equal the record with Margaret Court of most slams won by anybody across gender and across eras.

Also Read: “I am a little neurotic as I no longer have full lung capacity” claims Serena Williams