
via Imago
Image credits – Imago

via Imago
Image credits – Imago
In a sport like tennis, it is rare to come across days that do not involve any form of controversy. In our latest mix of drama, a certain Greek star was the talking point. Well, yes, Stefanos Tsitsipas was in the limelight once again, albeit not for any positive reason. The world number 5 was criticized for his unethical gesture in the middle of a rally during his 2nd round encounter against Nicolas Jarry at the Halle Open.
Serena Williams‘ ex-coach Rennae Stubbs was the first to spot Tsitsipas’ weird movement. She captured the clip and posted it on her Twitter. The word spread like wildfire as the clip started doing rounds on Twitter within minutes.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Twitterati drags Stefanos Tsitsipas and equates him to former and current world number 1s
Tsitsipas was moving his hands in the air, probably to distract Jarry who was getting in a position to hit the overhead shot. Stubbs tweeted the clip and said, “What is Stef doing here!!??? U can’t do that!!!“.
What is Stef doing here!!??? U can’t do that!!! pic.twitter.com/1mfZJYJBVI
— Rennae Stubbs 🟦👍🏼 (@rennaestubbs) June 21, 2023
The fans swarmed into the quotes and replies section once the word was out. However, instead of calling out the Greek, the fans brought the WTA number 1 Iga Swiatek, into the discussion. The Pole has tried to distract her opponents in a similar manner on multiple occasions and receives plenty of backlash every time she does so.
It’s called “The Iga”
— yeah, no (@its_Burgos_DAY) June 21, 2023
A fan believed that the Greek was influenced by Swiatek.
your impact @iga_swiatek https://t.co/Hs841iKeh7
— aidan (@vamosaidan) June 21, 2023
“Iga’s crown shifted a little” – A fan came up with a humorous response.
Iga’s crown shifted a little https://t.co/jzWGUJ2nJ4
— P🏳️🌈 (@formerpets) June 22, 2023
The fans continued to come up with hilarious statements.
he will NEVER be iga! stick to tapping your brainless head @steftsitsipas https://t.co/pn38yOwNG6
— floprenzo hoesetti (@foosecuckles) June 21, 2023
There were Tsitsipas defenders as well who believed that Swiatek does the same on a larger scale.
Why not??? It’s not half as distracting as what Iga does 😭😭😹 https://t.co/Ltq3Uv2IVa
— Luca🇩🇴☀️ (@nothinglikeluca) June 21, 2023
A fan thought that Twitter was overreacting to the clip.
He barely does anything this isn’t putting off anyone who cares https://t.co/O83oZntBj4
— Dylan B (@dccb31) June 21, 2023
Another Tsitsipas defender thought that he couldn’t see the ball.
Looks like he can't see the ball.
— M.I.A (@B_canadian2) June 21, 2023
Someone pointed out that it wasn’t illegal to do so.
poor etiquette but legal!
— Hevin Daney (@HevinDaney) June 21, 2023
Tsitsipas was also slandered for his comments against Nick Kyrgios where he said the Aussie was bringing NBA attitude to tennis but he himself tried to distract the opponent here.
Stefanos recently said another player brings a basketball mentality to the sport. pic.twitter.com/gHfPR3tbah
— Vanfan (@vanfanx) June 21, 2023
Swiatek was not the only world number 1 who faced this comparison. Old fans brought Jimmy Connors into the discussion as well.
Probably not a good etiquette, but Jimmy Connors who is known to never give up is among the first to do it.
— WHY NOT TENNIS? (@WhyNotTennis) June 21, 2023
A fan showed no mercy to the American here.
Jimmy Connors was also a known ahole
— Edward (@EdwardPaprHands) June 21, 2023
Why was Iga Swiatek brought into this discussion?
Top players do have their trademark strokes or celebration. However, there’s one aspect of Iga Swiatek that leads to negative publicity. She has often tried to distract her opponent in the middle of the rally by moving her hands.
Iga did the thing again.. pic.twitter.com/90MNUYZKDD
— Kyra (@atpwtathottie) October 17, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Repeating this gesture several times has made people believe that causing hindrance is a signature Iga Swiatek move.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Do you think that causing hindrance should be considered illegal? Should players face a point penalty for distracting their opponents? Do let us know in the comments below.
Watch This Story: Despite $500,000,000 Earnings Together, Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova’s Unwavering Commitment to Tennis Comes to the Fore as Emma Raducanu Gets Real Advice
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT