"The most awkward ceremony I’ve ever watched ": Tennis fans react as Swiatek and Sabalenka make digs at Madrid Open in front of Lopez
WTA
The Madrid Open trophy ceremony was a rather interesting affair with tennis fans reacting on social media to what Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka said.
The trophy ceremony following the WTA Final at the Madrid Open was rather interesting and pretty similar to the match. The match itself was spectacular however both players had some interesting comments to make during the trophy ceremony in front of the leadership of the event including Feliciano Lopez as the Tournament director.
Read also
Swiatek complained the late starts which had her playing at 1 AM one day:
"It’s not fun to play at 1 am though, so I’m happy anyway that I was able to get past this experience and survive and be in the final."
Sabalenka credited her impressive play to the size of Alcaraz's cake which was a lot larger than the one she got a few days before that:
"I think it's all because of yesterday's cake. It was too good."
Read also
Fans were amused on social media by those comments and we bring you some of the reactions below:
"Feli was at war on Twitter all day yesterday about that cake he is not amused."
"Iga with 1 am, Saba with cake. They grilled Lopez."
"this and the 1am matchThey both hate this tournament"
"Probably the most awkward ceremony I’ve ever watched ahahah they both wanted to get out of there."
Read also
claps 176visitors 7
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.
mandoist05-11-2026 - Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.
mandoist05-11-2026 - Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.
mandoist31-10-2026 - Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.
mandoist29-10-2026 - With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?
mandoist29-10-2026








