Madrid Open organisers apologised Thursday after not allowing the women’s double finalists to make speeches after the match at the tournament last week, amid allegations of sexism.
The men’s doubles finalists were allowed to speak to the crowd after their matches.
Victoria Azarenka and Beatriz Haddad Maia beat Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff in the women’s final on Sunday but were not given a microphone to let them address the crowd.
“We sincerely apologise to all the players and fans who expect more of the Mutua Madrid Open tournament,” said Madrid Open CEO Gerard Tsobanian in a statement on Twitter.
“Not giving our women’s doubles finalists the chance to address their fans at the end of the match was unacceptable and we have apologised directly to Victoria, Beatriz, Coco and Jessica.”
Tsobanian said the tournament was working with the WTA to improve their process in the future.
“We made a mistake and this will not ever happen again,” he added.
