LES NOUVELLES NEWS (France)
PARIS – The women’s semifinals were held Thursday at Roland Garros, an opportunity for some of the world’s best female athletes to shine. Yet the French Open organizers decided to turn centre court’s signature clay surface… pink! Sinking deeper in old clichés, the tennis officials set up a special “women’s village” which offered manicures and hairdressing, the website Les Nouvelles News reports.
This choice faced the wrath of many – both men and women – on Twitter. “Ridiculous! Soon the racket will be replaced by a broom,” said one man. “Pink clay for women’s semifinals? They’d better play fast, dishes are waiting,” a second added.
One woman summed it up this way: “I can only conclude that today is the French Cliché Day.”