Advertisement

Backlash after Bouchard asked to ‘twirl’

Serena Williams winning in the dress Bouchard 'loves'. Photo: Getty.

Serena Williams winning in the dress Bouchard 'loves'. Photo: Getty.

Being asked to perform a brief dance to show off her outfit during an on-court interview by a male TV interviewer was “unexpected”, Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard has admitted.

The night after the fashion-forward Serena Williams was coaxed into performing the same manoeuvre by the same interviewer, Bouchard was asked to “twirl” for the crowd and television viewers after winning her second round match at the Australian Open.

Veteran Australian journalist and broadcaster Ian Cohen, who does the post-game chats on Margaret Court Arena, made the unusual request: “Can you give us a twirl and tell us about your outfit?”

· Hi-vis Aussie men light up Melbourne Park
· The Australian Open Daily Deuce: day three

“A twirl?” Bouchard said, before timidly spinning for the announcer, giggling and putting her hands over her face.

When asked about the incident later by Canada’s CBC Sport, Bouchard admitted the request had made her uncomfortable.

“I don’t know, an old guy asking you to twirl, it’s funny,” she said.

The proposition has drawn ire on social media for its sexism and hypocrisy.

The 20-year-old Canadian tweeted her appreciation of Williams’ outfit on Tuesday which prompted Cohen’s original request to the world no 1.

But after Bouchard’s slightly embarrassed compliance with the interviewer’s request, the difference in questioning to male and female stars has been criticised.

The New Daily is unaware of any male players being asked to twirl by the host broadcaster.

Stay informed, daily
A FREE subscription to The New Daily arrives every morning and evening.
The New Daily is a trusted source of national news and information and is provided free for all Australians. Read our editorial charter
Copyright © 2024 The New Daily.
All rights reserved.