Madrid Open controversy reignited as fans fume over models used as ballkids

A major tennis tournament has come under heavy fire over its decision to put models in skimpy outfits in place of ballkids.

MADRID, SPAIN – MAY 02: Carlos Alcaraz of Spain walks out onto the court prior to the Fourth Round match on Day Nine of the Mutua Madrid Open at La Caja Magica on May 02, 2023 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

The Madrid Open is back in the firing line over their controversial decision to replace ball kids with models.

Romanian businessman Ion Tiriac made the call back in 2004 to replace the usual line-up of youngsters with models in busty tank tops and mini skirts.

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Former world number one Andre Agassi said the move made it difficult to concentrate during matches in the Spanish capital.

“It was difficult, to say the least, to concentrate on the ball,” he said in 2004.

“But I suppose I had an advantage, I’m used to playing with my wife. I need some time to let it absorb.

“It’s important for our sport to understand its product clearly … but I’m not quite convinced it’s part of our product.”

The models are only used on the centre court, La Caja Magica Stadium, which plays host to the biggest matches of the tournament.

Debate was reignited throughout the 2023 tournament after a TikTok user posted a now viral video showing off the difference in the outfits worn by the models and ballkids used on outer courts.

Models at the Open. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Model ball men are used for women’s matches. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

The video was uploaded to TikTok by user @itslizasworld, who says she was a ballkid at Wimbledon, pointed out the stark contrast in outfits worn by the models and ballkids used outside of centre court.

The regular ball kids wear conservative outfits consisting of shorts and shirts while the models wear much shorter skirts and cropped black tank tops.

Many users had noticed it, but this video – by @Lizzy8E – has delved deeper into the topic. In Madrid, there are two different ball crews, one of which is composed solely of models wearing a different uniform to the other, appearing in big matches only.pic.twitter.com/NcsFFMimOZ

— Relevant Tennis (@RelevantTennis) May 3, 2023

Over the years the backlash over the decision has come in thick and fast, but now it’s going to a new level.

Fans far and wide are calling out the tournament over what many have dubbed a sexist move that objectifies women for ratings.

Spanish government official Soledad Murillo said the introduction of models “contributes to fomenting clear discrimination towards women who appear as simple objects of decoration and amusement”.

Australian tennis great Rennae Stubbs labelled the move “ridiculous”, but she wasn’t alone in condemning the decision.

@MutuaMadridOpen brilliant tournament.......spoilt by the different uniforms for ball boys and ball girls! Why? Is it really necessary to have the ball girls dressed in skimpy tops and bare midriff? No other tournament does this except Madrid🙄

— Pamela T Snowden🇮🇪🇪🇦🇬🇧🇪🇺#repealtheseal💚 (@pamsnowden439) May 3, 2023

Utter madness! What sexiest rubbish. Watched the Norrie match today where ball girls and boys were wearing normal clothes. It appears centre court has its own uniform and an all female cohort! 🤦🏻‍♀️ Does the Madrid open not know it’s 2023! #MadridOpen#tennispic.twitter.com/GdkcQHvlDt

— Michelle parker (@GlastobabeParks) April 29, 2023

The ballkid controversy in the Spanish capital is a far cry from the issue that was raised during the Australian Open when fans discovered ballkids aren’t paid a dime.

Around 2500 kids apply to be ballkids every year, with less than one in five of them actually successful after a year-long selection process.

“How is this not child exploitation?” asked one Reddit user, noting that Australian Open ballkids were paid until they were reclassified as volunteers in 2008.

“It isn’t unreasonable to suggest the ballkids get paid for their time,” said another.

“It’s the sports version of artists getting paid in exposure.”

While Australian ballkids swelter in the summer heat for the promise of being up close with their idols and a prize pack that in the past has included GoPros, bluetooth speakers and headphones, other Grand Slams remunerate the children that are essential to keeping the tournament going.

The All-England Club has a similarly rigorous selection process for ballkids when Wimbledon rolls around, but they’re paid a stipend of £200 a week ($351 AUD).

The United States Tennis Association, organisers of the US Open, also pay their ballkids a wage, although it typically sits at the New York minimum wage of around $15 AUD an hour.