Why Did Sara Bejlek’s Father and Coach Face Massive Backlash in 2022? Everything to Know about the US Open Controversy

Elena Rybakina is ready to go against Sara Bejlek and continue her Madrid Open run. While the 24-year-old tennis player grabbed attention with her racket, her Czech opponent was a part of a controversy a few years ago. During the 2022 US Open, Bejlek’s father and coach faced significant backlash for an incident that occurred on the court.

But the biggest question is: what happened that left the tennis world concerned over the 18-year-old tennis player creating chaos? Sara Bejlek defeated Heather Watson, a British player, in the final qualifying round to earn a spot in the U.S. Open main event in 2022. The 18-year-old tennis star let out a passionate outburst of emotions after receiving an invitation to her first Grand Slam main event.

To celebrate the victory, she ran to the side of the court to hug her coach, Jakub Kahoun, and her father. She had no idea that this happy occasion would soon become the talk of the town, igniting debate and generating a lot of negative feedback directed at her coach and father. Sara Bejlek’s father, Jaroslav Bejlek, and coach, Jakub Kahoun, embraced the young tennis star after her qualifying win at the US Open.

However, during the celebration, their behavior took a worrying turn as they both seemed to touch the 133rd-ranked player’s b**t. Social media users swiftly took notice of the incident and condemned the seemingly irresponsible behavior, especially underscoring how she was only sixteen at the time.

Subsequently, after that incident, they chose to abstain from such displays of happiness going forward after being made aware of the unfavorable comments regarding their behavior. Bejlek stated, “It was a spontaneous reaction of the whole team. We rejoiced. It may certainly seem inconvenient and uncomfortable to some, but we have already discussed it with the team. It won’t happen again.”

Bejlek’s father also seemed to give a quick peck on the lips to her, and to some it may seem like an act of love. But taking place in light of his previous actions, most fans condemned the act.

What raises eyebrows in the US, common in Czechia?

After the incident went viral on social media, Sara Bejlek stood up for her team and her father. “Dad is my dad and always will be. And I’ve known the coach since I was eight years old. He tapes me, he massages me,” the young player said. But what stood out to many was that she pointed out this practice was common in the Czech Republic, the country from where Bejlek hails.

“If something similar happened in the Czech Republic, no one would deal with it. But since we are in America, everyone comments on it. But as I say, we talked and it won’t happen again,” Bejlek said at the time.

Per the Daily Mail, one person had supported this comment, “It is pretty common in Czechia. Not something I would do, but many men just don’t think about it in a sexual way. Google our Easter traditions, you might be shocked.”

While opinions on the matter vary, what are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments below.