Madrid Open organisers have officially apologised to women’s doubles finalists as they were prevented to speak after the final.
The Mutua Madrid Open CEO Gerard Tsobanian called their actions an “unacceptable decision”.
"We sincerely apologise to all the players and fans who expect more of the Mutua Madrid Open tournament,” said the tournament’s chief executive Gerard Tsobanian.
The Madrid Open organisers have directly apologised to the finalists Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, Victoria Azarenka and Beatriz Haddad Maia.
“Not giving our women's doubles finalists the chance to address their fans at the end of the match was unacceptable and we have apologised directly to Victoria, Beatriz, Coco and Jessica,” said Gerard.
"We are working internally and with the WTA (Women's Tennis Association) to review our protocols and are committed to improving our process moving forward. We made a mistake and this will not ever happen again," he added.
Organisers had initially said they would "not comment on the matter" when contacted by BBC Sport earlier this week.
On Sunday, May 7, controversy sparked as Jessica Pegula and her doubles colleagues were not allowed to address the audience.
Pegula and her fellow American tennis star Coco Gauff lost the women's doubles final by 6-1, 6-4 to Victoria Azarenka and Beatriz Haddad Maia on Sunday (May 7) and none of the players were given the chance to address the audience post-match.
After which the American star talked to the reporters on Tuesday (May 9) ahead of the Italian Open where she was seen criticising the Madrid Open organisation.
“What happened in Madrid, it was really disappointing … I had a feeling something was going to happen,” she said.
“Did I think we were not going to be able to speak? No. I’ve never heard of that … in my life. I don’t know what century everyone was living in when they made that decision,” Pegula told reporters.
The Belarusian star Azarenka took this matter to Twitter where she said that it was “hard to explain” to her son as she was not allowed to speak at the trophy ceremony.