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The French Open received criticism for allegedly accommodating Rafael Nadal's day session request for his first-round match against Alexander Zverev. In other news, Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka handled uncomfortable press questions ahead of their French Open campaign.
Also, the French Open came under fire after honoring Dominic Thiem following his wildcard snub. Caroline Wozniacki's father Piotr received backlash for protesting his daughter's French Open wildcard exclusion.
Also, tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg continued to demand Alexander Zverev's removal from the French Open amid domestic abuse trial.
On that note, here's a recap of top tennis controversies from last week:
French Open draws ire for agreeing to Rafael Nadal's day session request for 1R
The French Open faced criticism for allegedly accommodating Rafael Nadal's request to schedule his first-round match against Alexander Zverev during the day session.
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This rematch of the 2022 semifinal between Nadal and Zverev, where the latter retired due to an ankle injury, was expected to headline a night session. However, reports from L'Equipe confirmed that Nadal's request for a daytime slot was accepted, scheduling the match for Monday, May 27.
Fans criticized the organizers on social media for yielding to Nadal's preference.
Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka faced awkward press situations in Paris
Aryna Sabalenka had an unusual exchange with journalist Mary Carillo during a 2024 French Open press conference. While Sabalenka was answering a question about whether aces offset double faults, Carillo suddenly retracted her question, leaving the Belarusian surprised.
Carillo had asked if aces could counterbalance double faults, to which Sabalenka noted that double faults sting more despite efforts to score aces. Midway through her answer, Carillo interrupted, saying, "I retract my question, it's too stressful." Sabalenka, visibly taken aback, was told it was a joke but chose to move on to the next question.
Fans criticized Carillo for retracting her question midway through Sabalenka's response.
Watch the video below:
Iga Swiatek, on the other hand, was asked at a French Open press conference about the women's draw having "clear favorites" while the men's draw is "wide open." The journalist noted Swiatek as a favorite with competition from Aryna Sabalenka and a few others, while the men's draw is less predictable due to injuries.
The World No. 1 cleverly pointed out that both draws have their strong contenders and it depends on which tour a fan is following. Fans loved her response for shutting down the reporter's attempt to diminish the women's side.
French Open faces criticism for honoring Dominic Thiem after qualifying exit
French Open received backlash for honoring Dominic Thiem in a ceremony following his 6-2, 7-5 loss to Otto Virtanen in the qualifiers. This happened after the Austrian was denied his main-draw wildcard.
Thiem, who has faced form and injury issues in recent years, announced his retirement at the end of the 2024 season. The two-time finalist had to play qualifiers to reach the main draw.
Fans on social media criticized the tournament for honoring Thiem after denying him a wildcard.
Caroline Wozniacki's father Piotr called out for his complaints about his daughter's wildcard snub at French Open
Caroline Wozniacki's father Piotr received flak for expressing frustration with the French Open organizers for not granting his daughter a wildcard entry into the women's singles competition.
In an interview with Polish tabloid Gazeta, he voiced discontent with the idea of the former World No. 1 having to play in the qualifiers for the claycourt Major. Additionally, he insisted on respect for his daughter and announced that she would not be participating in Paris next year.
However, his remarks have received criticism from fans, who took to social media to express their disapproval of his complaints.
Tennis journalist stressed the removal of Alexander Zverev from the French Open amid domestic abuse proceedings
Tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg has once again criticized Alexander Zverev over domestic abuse allegations made by his ex-girlfriend Brenda Patea. The trial is scheduled to start on May 31 during the 2024 French Open. Zverev will be facing Rafael Nadal in the first round on May 27.
In a press conference, Roland Garros director Amelia Mauresmo defended Zverev's participation, stating he's presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Rothenberg took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his thoughts on Mauresmo's statement.
"There *was* a decision by the courts in Berlin against Zverev for abuse accusations, a penalty order for €450,000. Zverev chose to appeal that decision; that’s what this trial is," Rothenberg wrote.
"…but while that initial penalty order stands, Zverev should not be competing in the sport, #Roland Garros or elsewhere," he continued.
What is the foot injury that has troubled Rafael Nadal over the years? Check here
