Tennis fans have pointed out the hypocrisy of some people on social media supporting Carlos Alcaraz after he cried on the court following his loss at the Cincinnati Open when the same fans criticized Iga Swiatek for doing the same thing.

World No. 1 Alcaraz faced 23-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in the final of the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, in what turned into a grueling three-hour and 49-minute-long match, the longest Best of Three ATP Masters 1000 final in history.

The heat was oppressive, with Djokovic actually suffering from heat stroke in the opening set, but the Serb still prevailed to win the match 5-7, 7-6(7), 7-6(4). Afterward, the emotions all rushed in for Alcaraz, and the 20-year-old broke down in tears.

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Fans highlight double standards in support

Following Alcaraz's outpouring of emotion, many tennis fans took to social media to show their support for the Spaniard. However, others also pointed out that, while supporting a player for showing their emotions is a good thing to do, the same kindness had not been extended to WTA world No. 1 Iga Swiatek.

Most notably, Swiatek was criticized for crying after her crushing loss to Jessica Pegula at the United Cup earlier this year, where the Polish player was defeated 6-2, 6-2. After the match, Swiatek was subjected to trolling, with some calling her 'weak.'

At the time, Swiatek called out the haters, emphasizing that there was nothing wrong with her showing her emotions.

"I allow myself to have weaknesses. I am only human and sometimes people forget that. Is the fact that I have crises my weakness? I don't think so. When I scream for joy, it's normal for people, and when I cry after a defeat, it always raises controversial opinions," she said.

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Now, fans have taken to social media to express their disappointment at the double standards toward different players being upset on the court.

"I haven’t forgotten how Swiatek was treated for crying after losing yet Alcaraz is getting so much praise for the same thing," one wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"Another day, another example of double standards," added another.

Meanwhile, others used the incident to comment on what they perceive to be wider inequalities in the sport.

"The Womens game is treated so badly, the perception that it's not as good because it didn't have the rivalry of the Big 3 is sad and still some excuse like the length of match for gauff vs Muchova is used," they wrote.

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Replying to @TomToTheTom

Another day, another example of double standards

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