In 2019, Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil founded the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) to advocate for the best interests of players and tackle the inadequacies of the current system governed by the ATP, WTA, and ITF. Recently, the PTPA has taken a stance on the controversial decision of the Madrid Open to deny women’s doubles finalists the opportunity to deliver speeches during the presentation ceremony.
Madrid Open denies speeches for women’s doubles finalists
Victoria Azarenka and Beatriz Haddad Maia defeated Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff 6-1, 6-4 to clinch the Madrid Open women’s doubles title. However, the Madrid Open organizers declined to provide any comment or explanation regarding their decision that denied the women’s doubles finalists the opportunity to deliver speeches during the presentation ceremony, while the men’s doubles champions Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov were allowed to address the audience following their victory.
PTPA condemns Madrid Open organizers
The executive director of the PTPA, Ahmad Nassar, condemned the Madrid Open organizers for their decision to silence the women’s doubles finalists during the presentation ceremony. In a statement, he called the move “inexcusable” and claimed that the “entire tennis establishment dropped the ball by not addressing and correcting the inexplicable decision.” Jessica Pegula, Victoria Azarenka, and Coco Gauff have each spoken out against the tournament’s decision.
Djokovic returns to the Italian Open
Meanwhile, after withdrawing from the Madrid Masters, Novak Djokovic is set to make his return to the tennis court at the Italian Open. The 22-time Grand Slam champion will face Tomas Martin Etcheverry to begin his title defense in Rome, following a bye in the first round. Last year, Djokovic won his sixth Italian Open title and did not lose a single set en route to his record-extending 38th ATP Masters 1000 title.
