EUGENIE BOUCHARD, TIPPED by many to be the next big star of women’s tennis, has admitted she was “surprised” to be asked to pirouette by an Australian TV presenter in the wake of a dominant 6-0, 6-3 win over Kiki Bertens in the Australian Open.
The Canadian, who reached the semi-finals of this event last season – as well as the final four of the French Open and final of Wimbledon – appeared embarrassed by the request, burying her face in her hands immediately afterwards.
And speaking in the post-match press conference, the world number seven said:
“I was very unexpected… I don’t know, an old guy asking you to do a twirl.”
The incident prompted outrage on social media, with many asking if a male tennis player would ever be askied to do the same thing.
