Two journalist organizations have issued a statement condemning a remark made by France’s national radio station about Sara Errani.
The French Association of Women Sports Journalists and the Union of Sports Journalists in France have hit out at a remark made earlier this week during the Olympic doubles tournament. A commentator for RMC Radio spoke about Errani and Jasmine Paolini during their second round match against French players Caroline Garcia and Diane Parry. The individual, who hasn’t been formally named, is said to have made stereotypical comments about women when speaking about the Italian.
“On the left, there’s Sara Errani, who’s the boss. She does everything: the washing up, the cooking, the mopping up.” The Associated Press reported the commentator as saying.
The unions didn’t request for an action to be taken over the matter but in a statement said ‘sexist and misogynistic comments have no place in an international competition.”
Errani and Paolini beat the French duo earlier this week and on Thursday booked their place in the semi-finals. The third seeds stormed to a 6-3, 6-1, win over Great Britain’s Katie Boulter and Heather Watson in what is an historic achievement. It is the first time players from Italy have reached the semi-finals of an Olympic tennis event since 1924.
Next up will be a showdown against the unseeded Czech pairing of Linda Nosková and Karolina Muchova who knocked top seeds Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula out of the tournament earlier this week.
“I think I don’t even realize it for now, but for sure, to play for Czech colours. It’s something different. You feel the pride and you see the Czech flags and everyone is so supportive as well.” Muchova replied when asked about her Olympic experience.
“When we go back to the village everyone supports each other. It’s just a really, really nice feeling. I would say it’s a big pride. I’m happy we made it here and, again, I’m very proud of us.”
Should she go on to claim gold, Errani could also set another record by becoming the first player from her country to achieve a Golden Slam in any event. The Golden Slam refers to winning all four major events and the Olympics.
