Pegula Comments on Being Denied Speech at Madrid Open Ceremony

American tennis player Jessica Pegula, ranked third in the world, criticized the organizers of the Madrid Open after she and her partner Coco Gauff were denied the opportunity to deliver a speech during the women's doubles award ceremony. Before the Italian Open, Pegula stated, "What happened in Madrid was really disappointing. Did I expect that? No, of course not; I haven't gone through this experience before in my career. I don't know what century these people who made this decision are living in." Gauff also highlighted that "the issue is not about the speech itself, but more about the principle, to ensure it doesn't happen to other players in the future." The BBC reported that the organizers stated, "The tournament organizers will not comment on the matter."