Mind Your Language, Guys

Some people just can’t watch their filthy mouths! Former tennis pro and broadcaster John McEnroe is not someone new to join the list of lousy motormouths. McEnroe left many perplexed and infuriated last weekend at the French Open final, not for his habitual ‘effing’ bombs but for making ‘misogynistic’ comments. When fellow analyst Mary Carillo mentioned that five-time grand slam winner Iga Swiatek declined a business agreement from Lancome since she doesn’t wear a lot of makeup, McEnroe quipped, “You think if they offer her enough, Lancome, maybe she would consider throwing on a little makeup for the right price?” after comparing the player to tennis legend Rafael Nadal. McEnroe’s reaction raised many eyebrows and stirred up a hornet’s nest. This was not the first time Swiatek has been commented upon over her lack of makeup. Two years ago, at Roland Garros, she was asked, “Outside of the court, when you go to a party, do you use makeup? Do you like to be elegant, smart, and so on?”

The application of makeup on game day has long been a subject of debate. Does it really matter whether female athletes wear makeup or not? Does having makeup make them feel more empowered and like themselves during competition?

Makeup vs Performance

Badminton star, P.V. Sindhu feels wearing make-up or not is an individual choice. “Few people like wearing it and some don’t. I cannot comment on any particular person or anyone. As an athlete I mean, few might like and few might not wear makeup,” she says. Budding tennis star Pushti Laddha says that while different players have different opinions, she does not think it is necessary for female athletes to wear makeup. “It is up to them to decide if they want to wear makeup and if they feel good. When it comes to liking oneself, they should be confident in their game,” she says. Pushti found McEnroe’s comments ‘disrespectful’ and ‘disappointing’.

“He would not have said the same thing for a player on the men's tour or in a men’s match. Wearing make-up is not necessarily a way in which one feels empowered, especially while competing. When you’re on the court, be it men or women, all that matters is your level of play and how you perform,” says Pushti.

She led the Telangana state tennis contingent as the U-19 team captain at the inaugural ceremony of the 67th National Games held at Jodhpur recently.

While stressing that it’s important for the player to be comfortable on the court, Pushti says there are many players like the William sisters, who like to wear makeup and accessories. “Iga Swiatek is currently the Number-1 player in the world. She has been unbeaten at Roland Garros for the last three years. At the end of the day, this is what matters. It is completely her choice to wear makeup both on and off the court,” says Pushti, who was selected for the Road to Wimbledon in 2020 and also played for the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

Perfect Backhand Shot

Airing a similar view, badminton star Saina Nehwal feels it’s the athlete’s personal choice. “If McEnroe’s comment or opinion about whether the amount offered was less or more and then probably Swiatek would wear make-up is just an opinion. He’s entitled to have it, but it’s the athlete’s or player’s choice,” says Nehwal. She feels it’s up to the player what they are comfortable with. “It’s the player’s choice whether they are comfortable with or without make-up. Winning the match is all that matters,” adds Saina.

Recently, China’s top 100m hurdles athlete, Wu Yanni, was also criticised by the online community for wearing heavy makeup and sexy clothes when competing in the 100m hurdles and finishing last at both recent Diamond League events in China. Steadfast Nutrition athlete Pranita Soman, National-level Cycling champion, says some female athletes feel that wearing makeup helps them feel more confident, empowered, and true to themselves, which can positively impact their performance. “It can be a part of their routine that helps them get into the right mindset for competition. On the other hand, some athletes prefer to focus solely on their performance and might find makeup unnecessary or even distracting,” she says. Ultimately, it’s a personal choice. “I feel that it is very subjective. There’s no right or wrong answer. It's about what works for the individual. It is a conscious choice that all athletes can make for themselves without the notion of societal norms.” Pranita points out that many girls wear casual makeup every day.

“It’s as simple as saying that if a female athlete feels empowered by wearing makeup, they are free to do so. Does not matter if it’s makeup, hairstyle, tattoos, or anything else. As long as they are determined and committed to their sports, nothing will affect their performance,” she adds.

A Contentious Issue

Maharashtra’s top badminton player and Steadfast Nutrition Athlete Mahek Nayak, says the application of makeup on game day has long been a contentious issue. “For many athletes, makeup is a powerful tool for boosting confidence and reinforcing their identity. This empowerment can translate into improved performance, as feeling comfortable and confident can enhance focus and determination,” she says. Some argue that the emphasis on makeup perpetuates superficial standards and detracts from the essence of athletic prowess. Others fear it might subject athletes to additional scrutiny and pressure regarding their appearance. “The crux of the matter is personal choice. If wearing makeup makes an athlete feel more confident and authentic it should be embraced as a positive influence. Ultimately, the priority should be supporting female athletes in whatever makes them feel their best, ensuring the focus remains on their skills and accomplishments rather than their appearance,” Nayak says.

‘Let’s celebrate talent’

As a professional golfer, I’ve faced the pressure women encounter to meet certain beauty standards. While I value looking presentable, the decision to wear makeup, especially during competition, should be a personal choice. Personally, wearing makeup while competing is more distracting than beneficial for me. However, if makeup helps another athlete feel more confident and perform better, I fully support their choice. Athletes should have the freedom to choose what makes them comfortable without fear of judgment. Let’s celebrate their talent and dedication instead. — Rhea Jha, Professional Golfer

The crux of the matter is personal choice. If wearing makeup makes an athlete feel more confident and authentic, it should be embraced as a positive influence.” — Maharashtra’s top badminton player and Steadfast Nutrition Athlete Mahek Nayak.

It’s the player’s choice whether they are comfortable with or without makeup. Winning the match is all that matters.” — Saina Nehwal, badminton star

He (McEnroe) would not have said the same thing for a player on the men’s tour or in a men’s match.” — Pushti Laddha, budding tennis star

It can be a part of their routine that helps them get into the right mindset for competition. On the other hand, some athletes prefer to focus solely on their performance and might find makeup unnecessary or even distracting.” — Pranita Soman, National-level Cycling champion