Two-time grand slam champion Victoria Azarenka believes there are still barriers to break in the world of sport before women athletes are treated equally.
This year’s US Open has been caught up in a sexism row. On Tuesday Alize Cornet was given a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct after changing her shirt on the court. Something that is done regularly by the male players without any consequences. Almost 24 hours after the incident, the USTA issued a statement saying they ‘regretted’ the decision and insisted that Cornet would not face any further action.
“If I would say my true feelings, it would be bleeped out, because I think it was ridiculous.” Azarenka commented about the incident.
“It was nothing wrong. Nothing wrong. It wasn’t anything disrespectful. She literally changed her shirt because it was backwards. So I couldn’t believe this was a conversation.”
“I’m glad they (the USTA) apologized, and I hope this never happens again.” She later added.
Azarenka, who is a member of the WTA Players council, believes that there continues to be double standards in tennis. Despite the push for equal prize money in recent years. The US Open was the first grand slam to offer equal prize money back in 1973.
“There is always a double standard for men and women. But we need to push those barriers. And as players, as representatives of the WTA Tour, I believe we’re gonna do the best we can to make sure that we are the most progressive sport and continue to break those boundaries, because it’s unacceptable. For me, it’s unacceptable.” She said.
It isn’t just the US Open that has been placed under the spotlight in recent days. In Europe, the French Open has been criticised for their reaction to Serena Williams’ catsuit. The president of the French Tennis Federation, Bernard Giudicelli, has recently said he wanted to ban such outfits in the future because they are disrespectful.
Williams has played down the debate by saying that she has a ‘wonderful relationship’ with the chief of French tennis. Although rival Azarenka continues to question the idea behind it.
“We need to continue to break those barriers.” She stated.
“When things and issues like this, it needs to stop at the beginning. It cannot develop anymore. It’s enough.
“The thing with the cat suit, I personally don’t understand it. No idea what they mean by disrespecting the game playing in the cat suit?”
Azarenka came through her second round match at the US Open with a 6-1, 6-2, win over Daria Gavrilova. She will play Sloane Stephens in the next round.
