‘F**K You to the Tournament’ – Aryna Sabalenka & Iga Swiatek’s Classic Becomes the Fitting Reply to Madrid’s Bias Against WTA

The red clay of the Madrid Open may have gone quiet for the year. But just like last year, it wasn’t just the on-court fireworks that captivated fans. In an unfiltered conversation on a podcast, former tennis pro, Andrea Petkovic delivered a scathing critique regarding the Madrid Open’s biases against female athletes. After the exciting final match between Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka, she perceived it as a bold response to the tournament organizers.

On the Racquet’s Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast, Rennae and Andrea were floored by the epic Madrid Open final between Aryna and Iga. They called it Oscar-worthy, Hall of Fame-worthy – they’d even invent a new award if needed! It wasn’t just the tennis for them; it were the the game plans, technique, the electric crowd, the atmosphere – goosebumps from the first point! This was a slugfest, pure passion on display, and they were ALL IN for it!

In continuation to the conversation, Andrae said, “It also was a nice f**k you to the tournament after they f**ked over the ladies. Last year. I’m sorry. I swear I try not to swear so much. But this was a necessary swear in this mode,” hinting towards the gender disparity at the 2023 Madrid Open. Last year’s tournament wasn’t without controversy. Organizers sparked outrage by employing model ball girls in revealing crop tops, which were later replaced with baggier attire for the closing stages.

This was followed by a cake controversy that further created a stir in the tennis world. Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz both celebrated their birthdays during the Madrid Open last year. But at one hand, Spain’s golden boy and the men’s top seed was presented with a massive two-tier cake, which needed two people to carry it out to the main court for a grand ceremony. On the other, Sabalenka received a more modest cake on a plate within the stadium. Former No. 1 Victoria Azarenka took to Twitter, expressing frustration. Her tweet suggested the disparity highlighted a difference in treatment between WTA and ATP players at the event.

Adding insult to injury, later in the week the tournament organizers denied Azarenka and the other doubles finalists – her partner, Beatriz Haddad Maia, and the runners-up Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula – the opportunity to give the customary speeches during the trophy ceremony. While Pegula questioned “what century everyone was living in”, other players like Victoria Azarenka declared it to be “unacceptable”. Although later on, the tournament’s chief executive, Gerard Tsobanian, apologized to the fans and players. 

However, after last year’s controversial incidents, this year, the players revived themselves with sheer excellence on-court. Even Iga Swiatek addressed the matter after her match.

Iga Swiatek poses important questions regarding gender disparity after the Madrid Open 

When the top two WTA players of the world compete for glory, it is indeed going to be a masterpiece. But apart from that, it also showed the world the strength of the women’s game. When Iga Swiatek was almost on the brink of defeat, she saved three match points, ultimately leading her to win her maiden title in Madrid. The length of the competition, which created history, left everyone with an amazing experience. 

And in her on-court interview with Spanish TV, when Iga Swiatek said, “Who’s gonna say now that women’s tennis is boring, right?”, it resonated with all the tennis fans worldwide. At the press conference, the Polish star expanded on her earlier comment, emphasizing the exciting and engaging qualities of the women’s game for fans. “Well, I think, obviously, if we would have to play against a man, we would lose. It’s not about that. It’s about how two players match against each other. So I think we can play great matches,” she further added.

As women’s tennis evolves and they break more stereotypes, the world will see more comebacks like this year’s Madrid Open matches.