'Disgraceful': Tennis final detail sparks 'disappointing' backlash
A photo of the women's tennis doubles final at the Italian Open has sparked strong backlash, including from finalist Gabi Dabrowski.
The women's pair of Veronica Kudermetova and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova defeated Dabrowski and Giuliana Olmos 1-6, 6-4, 10-7 in a thrilling final in Rome.
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However, there has been backlash over the final after a photo on social media showed the thrilling finale was played out in front of a tiny crowd.
Will Boucek from the Tennis Tribe posted a photo of the crowd with the caption: "There are about 7 people in the stands for the women's doubles final."
"Did they have to schedule during Djokovic v Tsitsipas?"
And, Dabrowski reposted the tweet and showed her frustration.
"Honestly was so disappointing," the finalist said.
Honestly was so disappointing https://t.co/mqTI9jGM3e
— Gaby Dabrowski (@GabyDabrowski) May 16, 2022
The Men's final between World No.1 Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas was scheduled at the same time as the women's doubles final, which also drew plenty of criticism.
In contrast, the men's doubles final was played in front of a packed stadium as Nikola Mektic & Mate Pavic defeated fan favourites Diego Scwartzmann and John Isner.
Crowd absolutely PACKED to the edge of the stadium for #ibi22 doubles final of Mektic/Pavic v Isner/Schwartzman - great to see (and they are being treated to a QUALITY match too) #watchmoredoubles #tennis #doublestennis pic.twitter.com/Fmy2IrWxRq
— Kiran Gupta (@kirangupta_) May 15, 2022
A view of the men’s doubles final on Pietrangeli from the main stadium. This place 😍😍 pic.twitter.com/hMcfvGcEDJ
— Stephen Molloy (@Stephen_Molloy) May 15, 2022
Tennis world reacts to 'disgraceful' scenes at final
Dabrowski's disappointment certainly resonated in the tennis community with fans jumping on social media to take aim at the Italian Open's scheduling.
Women's tennis is profoundly neglected and mismanaged.
— Keith Dalrymple (@Jonathan_Keith2) May 16, 2022
Disgraceful scheduling the whole tournament.
— Debbie Connolly (@DebbieC99763355) May 16, 2022
Just unfortunate that barely anyone watching
— Laura Carr (@lartful) May 16, 2022
Unbelievable ! And I thought Madrid scheduling was the worst ... 🤔
— TennisFanVRN (@FanVrn) May 16, 2022
So disrespectful!!! And they don’t even show the doubles matches on TV
— Lina Botero (@linisima) May 17, 2022
World No.1 Iga Swiatek, who won the Italian Open singles title, was caught up in drama after fans hit out at the tournament for scheduling her on second court.
Tennis fans were quick to notice that the Italian Open had scheduled the dynamo clash between Swiatek and Bianca Andreescu on Grand Stand Arena.
Instead of the World No.1 playing on Centre Court, World No.3 Aryna Sabalenka and American Amanda Animisova will play at 11am.
This will be followed by Rafa Nadal conquerer Denis Shapovalov and local hero Janick Sinner.
Spanish star Paula Badosa and Jil Tiechmann will play later at night on Centre Court.
Men's World No.1 Novak Djokovic will also feature later that night.
While Swiatek didn't complain after taking the title, fans were quick to call out the scheduling at the time.
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