Preparations for next month’s Miami Open has hit a slight blip after some fans on social media openly criticised how they are advertising the event.
On Tuesday the tournament published a poster on social media to highlight the big names playing in the tournament, but not everybody was happy with the design. World No.10 Roger Federer features prominently and his picture is two-times bigger than that of world No.1 Andy Murray and defending champion Novak Djokovic. Some have interpreted this as favouritism towards Federer, who recently won a record 18th grand slam title, and disrespect towards the other players based on their world ranking.
@E5C4P366 @rogerfederer Rankings, like age, are just a number sometimes 😉
— Miami Open (@MiamiOpen) 7 February 2017
Another issue which has frustrated many is the ratio of male-female players in the image. Out of the six pictures, only two are women (the Williams sisters). On the other hand, there are six women’s names incorporated on the poster (the same amount as their male counterparts).
The Miami Open has since responded to fans’ concerns via social media. After one person accused the tournament of showing disrespect to players on the tour, organisers have firmly denied the allegation.
“The poster is not a ranking system. It’s not meant to slight any player. It’s purely from a design standpoint.” Officials wrote to one user on Twitter.
The Miami Open will start on March 20th. It is ranked as a Masters 1000 tournament for the men and a Premier Mandatory for women. Novak Djokovic will be the defending champion in the men’s draw, but the women will see a new champion due to absence of Victoria Azarenka.
How fans reacted on Twitter
@MiamiOpen @andy_murray You are SOOoooo out of date and out of order for not keeping up. Andy Murray is the world #1, change the banner.
— Sallydaisy (@SallyDaisy10is) 7 February 2017
@MiamiOpen This is so wrong on many levels.Disrespectful to players. You have faves yes but players work hard for their rankings
— Marcia Jackson (@donnakayjay) 7 February 2017
Check the @MiamiOpen TL and try to guess their favourite player. Is there a tournament left who at least pretends to be unbiased? 😂😂😂
— Yolita* (@Yolitatennis) 7 February 2017
@MiamiOpen I’m sorry but I think your poster shows a complete lack of respect to Andy.
— Lynne (@LindyRed) 7 February 2017
@MiamiOpen when was the last time the world number 10 was the headliner? lol 😉 #GOAT @rogerfederer
— Matthew Harris (@E5C4P366) 7 February 2017
I’m starting to think tournaments are doing this on purpose now. pic.twitter.com/mVfm0AdroY
— 1ady 8ellatrix (@LadyBellatrix) 7 February 2017
