Australian Open Tenis commentator Ian Cohen was condemned yesterday for asking female players to “give a twirl” following their matches.

Serena Williams and Eugenie Bouchard had won their respective games when Cohen asked: “Can you give us a twirl and tell us about your outfit?”

Williams played down suggestions of sexism but acknowledged that no-one would ask the same of a male athlete.

The world number one said: “A commentator asked me to twirl. I wouldn’t ask Rafa (Nadal) or Roger (Federer) to twirl.

“I didn’t really want to twirl because I was just like, you know, I don’t need all the extra attention.

“I don’t think and look that deep into it. Life is far too short to focus on that. We have so many other problems that we should focus on. 

Bouchard acceded to the request and looked embarrassed and awkward.

In her post-match interview off court she seemed bemused and said: “It was very unexpected. I mean, yeah, I don’t know. An old guy asking you to twirl, it was funny.”

But people on social media site Twitter did not see the funny side.

One user tweeter: “We need more people to stand up against sexism. No one is asking @rogerfederer to twirl. Don’t ask @geniebouchard!”

Channel 7, who Cohen works for, distanced themselves from his actions despite their logo showing cleary on his microphone when interviewing both players.

“The interview, which didn’t air on Channel 7 or 7TWO, was in this instance conducted by a commentator who works for the host broadcaster, Tennis Australia,” a spokesperson said.

“The host broadcaster provides match coverage and some commentary and interviews, which is seen on our live digital streaming service.”