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Tennis fans have alleged double standards in the reactions to Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz crying after losing a match on the tour.
Earlier this week, Alcaraz locked horns with Novak Djokovic in the final of the 2023 Cincinnati Open. Despite winning the first set, the Spaniard eventually succumbed in three tightly-contested sets.
Alcaraz broke down in tears when he went to sit on his chair after the match. As the video of him crying went viral, several fans voiced support for the reigning Wimbledon champion.
However, other fans are now alleging hypocrisy in the way Alcaraz's and Swiatek's tears have been responded to. Swiatek was recently subjected to widespread trolling when she was spotted crying on court after losing a match.
Tennis fans turned to X (formerly Twitter) to express their disappointment, with one of them writing:
"I haven’t forgotten how Swiatek was treated for crying after losing yet Alcaraz is getting so much praise for the same thing."
Several fans, including the one below, claimed there are double standards on social media.
"Another day, another example of double standards," the fan wrote.
Below are a few more fan reactions:
"I felt like people were judging me a little bit" - Iga Swiatek on crying after losing to Paula Badosa in 2020
Iga Swiatek suffered an early defeat at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Up against Spain's Paula Badosa in the second round, the Pole lost despite putting up a strong fight in the second set.
Disheartened by her unexpected defeat, Swiatek sat in her chair and sobbed uncontrollably.
Earlier this year, the World No. 1 reflected on the moment and recalled how bad she felt for showing her emotions on court.
"My biggest struggle happened that summer during the Tokyo Olympics. I cried on the court after I lost in straight sets, and I felt like people were judging me a little bit," she said.
During the 2021 WTA Finals, Swiatek once again broke down in tears after losing in the group stage. She also said that she felt ashamed for crying, as she thought a champion isn't supposed to behave the way she did.
"Then, in Guadalajara, I was exhausted mentally and physically, and I didn’t really know what to do. I just felt helpless on the court, and I cried again. I was worried how people would see me," Iga Swiatek said.
"I was ashamed that I did that and thought it was not the way a champion should be," the Pole added.
