Former WTA player turned commentator Daniela Hantuchova accuses Madrid Open organisers of Carlos Alcaraz favoritism
Tennis News
With controversies surrounding cake, models turned ball girls and scheduling, the Madrid Open has been a nightmare for the organisers.
Now former WTA star, tennis commentator, and pundit Daniela Hantuchova has accused the organizers of favoritism surrounding the eventual men's winner, Carlos Alcaraz.
But not in terms of scheduling like Rennae Stubbs pointed out, but more in terms of the conditions being altered to favour him.
“One thing, guys, I do want to point out, the grounds people have watered the court twice since we’ve been talking,” said Hantuchova during the pre-match talk on Prime.
“So, I feel they’re trying to make the court as slow as possible, so it’s easier for Carlos to return that serve.”
“But that doesn’t happen; that was the first time this week that I noticed that he’s already covered at least this side twice with the water,” she added.
But while she accused them of this, she said it comes to be expected.
“Especially on clay, that’s what we were kind of always expecting when you play a Spanish player here or in Italy when you play someone from Italy,” she concluded.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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