Some people just can’t watch their filthy mouths! Former tennis pro and broadcaster John McEnroe is not someone new to join the list of lousy motormouths. McEnroe left many perplexed and infuriated last weekend at the French Open final, not for his habitual ‘effing’ bombs but for making ‘misogynistic’ comments. When fellow analyst Mary Carillo mentioned that five-time grand slam winner Iga Swiatek declined a business agreement from Lancome since she doesn’t wear a lot of makeup, McEnroe quipped, “You think if they offer her enough, Lancome, maybe she would consider throwing on a little makeup for the right price?” after comparing the player to tennis legend Rafael Nadal.
McEnroe’s reaction raised many eyebrows and stirred up a hornet’s nest. This was not the first time Swiatek has been commented upon over her lack of makeup. Two years ago, at Roland Garros, she was asked, “Outside of the court, when you go to a party, do you use makeup? Do you like to be elegant, smart, and so on?” The application of makeup on game day has long been a subject of debate.
Does it really matter whether female athletes wear makeup or not? Does having makeup make them feel more empowered and like themselves during competition? Badminton star, P.V. Sindhu feels wearing make-up or not is an individual choice.
“Few people like wearing it and some don’t. I cannot comment on any particular person or anyone. As an athlete I mean, few might like and few might not wear makeup,�.