he Madrid Open is at the centre of a fresh sexism row, just days after the event was criticised for dressing 'ball girls' in "feminising" outfits.

On Sunday, the players who contested the women's doubles final – including Coco Gauff and former world No1 Victoria Azarenka – were denied the chance to address the crowd during the presentation ceremony.

While the tournament declined to comment on Monday, the censorship is thought to be connected to Iga Swiatek's runner-up speech on Saturday. After losing to Aryna Sabalenka, the current world No1 complained about the late-night scheduling of her semi-final.

Sunday's silencing of the doubles players drew an understated message from Gauff – who tweeted: "Wasn't given the chance to speak after the final today" – and a more pointed one from Azarenka, who said: "Hard to explain to Leo [her six-year-old son] that mommy isn't able to say hello to him at the trophy ceremony".