Maria Bjorklund, the proud mother of Swedish tennis player Mirjam Bjorklund, recently opened up about the criticism her daughter has faced in the world of professional tennis. Mirjam, a talented athlete on the rise, has been scrutinized for prioritizing her relationship with her partner, fellow tennis player Denis Shapovalov, over her own matches.
This situation has raised questions about the expectations placed on female athletes and the challenges they face in balancing their personal and professional lives. In a recent interview, Mirjam’s mother shared how her daughter is targeted by the media even for the tiniest things she does to support her partner.
Maria Bjorklund talks about the criticism Mirjam Bjorklund receives from fans and observers
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Mirjam Bjorklund, a young and promising talent in the world of tennis, has been working tirelessly to climb the rankings and make a name for herself on the professional circuit. However, her journey has not been without its fair share of challenges, particularly when it comes to the scrutiny she has faced regarding her personal life.
Maria Bjorklund, mère de Mirjam, petite amie de Shapovalov : « On critique ma fille même lorsqu’elle est en tribune à regarder les matchs de Denis parce qu’elle ne devrait pas être là » https://t.co/9oVX9ToVCI pic.twitter.com/bTij5hiSep
— We Love Tennis (@Welovetennis) June 27, 2023
In a candid conversation with Punto de Break, Maria shared her frustration over the criticism her daughter has received, stating, “Some people criticize her for sometimes not playing enough, or not putting her career ahead of other factors. We criticize her even when she is in the stands watching Denis’ matches, we think she shouldn’t be there.” (Google Translate)
The 24-year-old’s mother feels heartbroken because of the criticism her daughter faces for doing basic things anyone would do for their partner.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Maria also shares examples where her WTA star daughter put her partner before her
After talking about how Mirjam is criticized for even the smallest of things, Maria also shared some examples where she was targeted by fans and observers for just doing normal stuff for her partner, Denis Shapovalov.
She added that there are times when Mirjam could be playing in a tournament in the ITF circuit, but she chooses to go to the tournament where her partner Denis was playing. Further, she also said that Mirjam doesn’t feel that she is compromising anything. On the contrary, she feels like she is gaining more. Sometimes she does prioritize her partner’s needs, but it is totally her call. According to her mother, whatever makes her happy and calm, she should do it.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Do you think female athletes receive undue criticism from fans for trivial things? Let us know in the comments.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT