How often do you think Rafael Nadal can walk into a place and not get recognised? Not often, right? And probably never at the Australian Open.
But the Spaniard was denied entry into a restroom here close to the players’ restaurant because he forgot to walk around with his badge.
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The security lady told him he needs to have his accreditation pass and when the world No3 politely pointed out that he had just left the players’ restaurant, she said she was just doing her job.
She finally let him in when another security explained to her who he was.
See, players really are just like the rest of us!
Twirl-gate
As Eugenie Bouchard pointed out in her press conference on Thursday an incident can often take a life of its own.
The Canadian No7 seed, as well as Serena Williams, were asked to twirl during their post-match on-court interviews by an Australian TV reporter and both players obliged. But the question was deemed sexist by some media as well as American legend Billie Jean King who said on her Twitter account:
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) January 22, 2015
Neither Williams nor Bouchard though labeled the question sexist although both said they weren’t particularly comfortable doing it on court.
“I twirl all the time in dance class. It’s called a Chaines Spin. I’ve been working on it. I have to really work on my spotting. My coach tells me to whip my head around. As a dancer, we do lots of turns,” Williams said when asked about the incident.
“A commentator asked me to twirl. I wouldn’t ask Rafa or Roger to twirl. Whether it’s sexist or not, I don’t know. I don’t know. I can’t answer that.
“I didn’t really want to twirl because I was just like, you know, I don’t need all the extra attention. But, yeah, it was fine. I don’t think and look that deep into it. Life is far too short to focus on that,” added the world No1.
Bouchard also chose to stay on the fence when asked whether she agreed it was sexist. She made an interesting proposal though.
“I stay out of this stuff. My friends are texting me saying I dance and twirl well and stuff as jokes,” said the 20-year-old.
“I think it was just kind of funny. I’m fine with being asked to twirl if they ask the guys to flex their muscles and stuff. Personally I’m not offended. It’s just funny how it’s taken a life of its own.”
Kevin Anderson blasts Channel 7 commentators
Kevin Anderson has blasted Channel 7 commentators for saying they have never heard of American Tim Smyczek during the American’s five-set defeat to Rafael Nadal in the second round.
Smyczek, who earned the world’s respect for his great performance against Nadal and his incredible sportsmanship when he allowed the Spaniard to re-hit a first serve after a spectator yelled out during as he was serving, is ranked No112 in the world, and peaked at No73 in 2013.
I can’t understand how these @Channel7 commentators can say they have never heard of a player ranked top 100 ATP. It’s your job to know
— Kevin Anderson (@kevinanderson18) January 21, 2015
In the last 16, Anderson awaits the winner of the third round clash between Nadal and Dudi Sela.
