Did a Journalist’s Makeup Question Highlight Ongoing Sexism in Sports Media?

Just won a major tennis match? Dominated on court? Set the pace for the rest of the WTA field? Perfect—now let’s talk about your makeup routine. At least, that’s the baffling logic one journalist applied to Iga Swiatek after a recent win, sparking a firestorm of criticism and a spotlight on the still-simmering sexism in sports media.

Yes, in 2025, a world-class athlete with four Grand Slam titles and a reign of dominance on clay was asked not about her serve, strategy, or stamina—but how she gets her eyeliner to stay put during matches. You couldn’t script a more tone-deaf moment if you tried.

Swiatek, to her credit, handled the question with trademark composure. But the tennis world didn’t. Twitter (sorry, X) erupted. Players, pundits, and fans alike were quick to call out the outdated, cringe-worthy line of questioning. “Would they ask Novak that?” one user wrote. Spoiler: they wouldn’t.

This isn’t just a throwaway gaffe—it’s a microcosm of a bigger issue. Female athletes still fight not just for wins, but for respect. For coverage that isn’t drenched in superficiality. For interviews that don’t reduce them to style icons when they’re, you know, athletes.

Swiatek’s footwork is elite. Her shot selection is masterful. And yes, maybe her eyeliner does survive three-set marathons. But if sports journalism wants to evolve, it needs to catch up with the reality: women are here to play, not to be pretty props.

Until then, we’ll keep asking the real question: Why is this still happening?