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‘What Century Are We Living in’- ‘Cake’ Gate at Madrid Open Continues to Grow Big as Jessica Pegula Joins Coco Gaiff to Form a United Voice Against the Organizers

Published 05/10/2023, 12:15 PM EDT

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Tennis has always set the precedent of promoting equality. However, one could not unsee the recurring themes of disparity against females during the Madrid Open. A controversial issue surrounding women double players not being able to make a speech when their male counterparts did has made it to the news. After Coco Gauff voiced her concern about it, her doubles partner Jessica Pegula has also opened up about the discriminatory move.

Ranging from the difference in the size of the cake of Aryna Sabalenka and Carloz Alcaraz Garfia to the outfits of ball girls, Madrid Open has got more attention than it probably wanted.

Jessica Pegula breaks silence over speech-making restrain at the Madrid Open 

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The tournament saw a glorious moment for Carlos Alcaraz Garfia who defended his title. However, on the other hand, victory did not taste the same for the Women’s Doubles players.

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Victoria Azarenka and Beatriz Haddad Maia defeated Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula in the finals. However, the tournament broke away from the customary speech tradition. Consequently, the women’s doubles players didn’t make a speech.

 

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On the other hand, their male counterparts got the opportunity to do the same. After Gauff raised her voice against it, Pegula has now broken her silence on the matter. She stated, “Even in a $10k final you would speak. I don’t know what century everyone was living in when they made that decision or had a conversation and decided, like “Wow, this is a great decision and there’s going to be no backlash.”

As she correctly retorted, the authorities at the Madrid Open have faced criticism for their tactics.

This all began when an American teenage sensation once again rightfully used her voice to bring notice to the matter.

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Coco Gauff stirred up the debate around the women’s doubles 

Before this controversy, the criticism around the sizes of the cakes of Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz Garfia. As that one was settling down, Gauff brought notice to the Women’s doubles issue.

She took to her Twitter and with a subtle dig she talked about the incident where they were not allowed to speak after the match. While thanking her fans, Gauff wrapped it up on a nicer note.

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WATCH THIS STORY: Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Maintains Silence Regarding Another Investment for Daughter Olympia

However, Madrid Open is in too much pickle to get away with it without an explanation. Do you think this is fair or a matter that should not garner this much attention? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by:

Shivali Sharma

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Shivali Sharma is a tennis writer at EssentiallySports, who specializes in off-court topics and has a particular focus on the legendary ‘Queen of the Court’, Serena Williams. With a wealth of experience in the industry, Shivali has authored numerous articles covering varied topics concerning the 23-time Grand Slam champion, including her personal life, career, and more. In addition to her work on Serena Williams, Shivali is also a huge fan of Naomi Osaka and admires the four-time Major winner, particularly for her advocacy for mental health.
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Edited by:

Sherjeel Malik