Ons Jabeur took a stand against what she perceived as unequal treatment of female players at European tournaments, particularly in combined events, emphasizing the need for more respect towards women in tennis. Following her decisive victory over Jelena Ostapenko, the 2022 Madrid champion voiced her concerns about disparities in practice court access and television coverage between male and female players, urging organisers to address these discrepancies.
Expressing her frustration with the current state of affairs, Jabeur highlighted the importance of equal representation and visibility for women's tennis, emphasizing the impact it has on inspiring young girls to pursue the sport. She called attention to the lack of televised women's matches in Spain and stressed the significance of showcasing female athletes to encourage the next generation of players.
Meanwhile, on the court, top-seeded Iga Swiatek demonstrated her dominance with a commanding victory over Sara Sorribes Tormo, advancing to the quarterfinals where she is set to face Brazilian player Beatriz Haddad Maia. Madison Keys secured her spot in the last eight by defeating fellow American Coco Gauff in a hard-fought battle, marking her return to form after a shoulder injury sidelined her for four months.
In another notable performance, Mirra Andreeva celebrated her 17th birthday with a victory over Italian seed Jasmine Paolini, showcasing her talent and potential in the tournament. As the competition progresses, players like Andreeva and Swiatek continue to shine, setting the stage for thrilling matchups and further displays of skill at the Madrid Open.
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