Eugenie Bouchard Stands by 'Twirlgate' Comments, Dismisses Sexism Allegations
Canadian tennis player Eugenie Bouchard has once again addressed the controversial 'twirlgate' incident from the 2015 Australian Open, firmly defending the broadcaster involved and rejecting claims of sexism. The saga, which sparked widespread debate nearly a decade ago, resurfaced as Bouchard reflected on the event during a recent podcast appearance.
The Infamous Interview Request
Following her second-round victory over Kiki Bertens at the 2015 Australian Open, Bouchard was interviewed on court by Australian broadcaster Ian Cohen. Noting that both Bouchard and Serena Williams were wearing similar fluorescent outfits, Cohen referenced Williams' earlier twirl and asked Bouchard to do the same, saying, "Can you give us a twirl and tell us about your outfit?"
Bouchard, then 20 years old and ranked world No. 5, complied with a smile, spinning around for the crowd at Margaret Court Arena. She later praised Williams' outfit as even better than her own. However, the request quickly drew backlash from prominent figures in tennis and beyond.
Criticism and the 'Sexist' Label
Tennis legend Billie Jean King led the criticism, calling the question "truly sexist" on social media and arguing that male players should be asked to twirl as well if female players were. Former England footballer Kelly Smith added that she would have "slapped" the interviewer for such a request, describing it as ignorant.
The incident was dubbed 'twirlgate' by media outlets, with Channel 7, which held broadcast rights, distancing itself from Cohen's comments. At the time, Bouchard immediately stated she was "not offended", a position she has maintained consistently over the past 11 years.
Bouchard's Unchanged Perspective
In a recent interview on The OK Sweetie Show podcast, Bouchard elaborated on her views, expressing frustration at how the situation was weaponised. "People went crazy over that... People just saw it as such a sexist thing," she said. "But I was like: 'I care about what I look like. I want to show off my cute outfit. I'm OK with it'. Like weaponising it and using it to your advantage."
She emphasised the practical benefits of embracing fashion in sports, noting that showcasing outfits could lead to more followers and brand deals. "If I look cute and people think I look cute, I'll post my cute outfit, and get more followers, get more brand deals," Bouchard explained. Podcast host Jules Spadaro summarised her stance as: "I'm just a girl, my outfits are cute. Why can't we be both?"
Broader Context and Reactions
Serena Williams, who was also asked to twirl during the tournament, declined to label the incident as sexist, stating she wouldn't ask male players like Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer to do the same but couldn't definitively answer whether it was discriminatory. Bouchard herself had suggested at the time that if female players were asked to twirl, male players should be asked to flex, framing it as a lighthearted moment.
Ian Cohen, an award-winning journalist with over 30 years of broadcasting experience, has continued to work at the Australian Open in subsequent years. He owns Coza Live Media and Communication and has covered major events including the Olympics and Tour de France.
Legacy and Aftermath
Bouchard, who reached the quarter-finals of that Australian Open before losing to Maria Sharapova, retired from professional tennis in 2025. The 'twirlgate' episode remains a notable moment in discussions about gender, media, and sports, with Bouchard's unwavering defence offering a counter-narrative to accusations of sexism. Her comments highlight a personal approach to navigating public scrutiny and leveraging opportunities in the spotlight.
