Defending champion Roger Federer zoomed past the first round with a comfortable straight-set win over Slovenia's Aljaz Bedene at the Australian Open 2018. However, Switzerland maestro’s emphatic victory is eclipsed by some allegations of sorts levelled against the 19-time grand slam champion. A video clip of Roger playing mixed doubles match with fellow countrywoman, Belinda Bencic against American-pair of Jack Sock and CoCo Vandeweghe from recently concluded Hopman Cup has gone viral on the internet. So, what went so wrong in the match that has got the social media abuzz?

In the first set of the match with Switzerland leading the USA 4-3 when Federer served with Sock receiving it. The male players had a good exchange of forehands and backhands. But they went on with the long rally and not involve their respective female partners as if forgetting they’re playing a mixed doubles match. On being left out of the game, both ladies took a role of the spectators. Belinda sat on the court with CoCo going a step ahead and take a seat at sidelines. A few moments later, Swiss girl also got up from the court and headed towards the sidelines and allowed the male-pair to show-off their tweeners, volleys and groundstrokes.

The act of leaving female partners out of a mixed-doubles match has got people point fingers at Roger Federer and not Jack Sock considering American player's presence is immaterial in front of Federer, the GOAT (Greatest of all Time). Critics are fuming at Federer that how could do such a thing?! The netizens addressed the act as full of sexism, misogyny and #toxicmasculanity. The controversy also drags other concepts such as feminism and gender equality. Why is this hullaballoo so wrong?

If an individual has indeed followed the Swiss legend’s tennis journey, they will understand behind all the serious demeanour lies a fun-loving guy who has given tennis its fair share of hilarious moments. We will begin with taking a quick stroll down the memory lane during Hit for Haiti, a fund-raising event held at Indian Wells in 2010. Federer partnered with former world number one, Pete Sampras to take on the pair of Rafael Nadal of Spain and Andre Agassi, another American great in a men’s doubles match. Just like the Hopman Cup 2018 scenario, Federer teamed up with Nadal to leave Sampras and Agassi as mere spectators. What should we accuse Federer and Nadal of? Not respecting elders or former champions?

Similar 'Incident' But in a Men's Doubles Match 

Not on one occasion but players have joined in to give tennis umpteen memorable moments - crazy, quirky and funny moments. It is important to not draw swords and aim for heads in every situation. Feminism is not about male-bashing like it happened in this case. In fact, people targeted Federer and not Jack Sock because he is a superstar name, which will provide fodder to uncalled for hatred. Roger Federer has won hearts of millions worldwide and it not only due to his prowess as a tennis champion. He has inspired generations with his off-court role model personality.

With social media giving a platform to present your opinion, it is important to use it judiciously than turn into a battleground where every laughter is misconstrued as a vile accusation. It is important for us (I, a proudest feminist) for us to make the world a better place by getting rid of sexism, misogyny and patriarchy and not divide the world into two halves!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 17, 2018 01:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).