Carlos Alcaraz celebrated his birthday at the Madrid Open getting a big cake, a much bigger one than Sabalenka got when she celebrated her birthday earlier.
WTA star Victoria Azarenka reacted to that by pointing out that the size of the cakes accurately portrays how tennis and events treat ATP and WTA players. She was alluding to the most glaring example which is prize money as the gap is still quite significant at some events. Tournament director and seasoned player Feliciano Lopez responded to that explaining why the cakes were different:
"I’m surprised by this reaction after this gesture! 1. Carlos had just won his match to reach the final2. He was playing on centre court3. The tournament is played in Spain, even though it is an international event PS: I hope Rune wasn’t also upset by his treatment"
Lopez pointed out that Rune got a similar cake to that of Sabalenka while Alcaraz got a bigger one because he's playing at home in Spain. Some preferential treatment is to be expected.
I’m surprised by this reaction after this gesture! 1. Carlos had just won his match to reach the final 2. He was playing on centre court 3. The tournament is played in Spain, even though it is an international event PS: I hope Rune wasn’t also upset by his treatment 😜
Couldn’t be more accurate on the treatment
