Greek tennis player Stefanos Tsitsipas is facing backlash for his ‘deeply uncomfortable’ remarks to his WTA star partner Paula Badosa regarding her weight.
The controversy arose after Tsitsipas shared videos on his Instagram Story during their trip to Monaco, where he jokingly called Badosa a ‘hippo’ and commented on her fitness.
In one video, Tsitsipas, currently ranked 11th globally, mentioned that he was having Badosa carry her suitcase up a hill to ‘earn her lunch.’
He remarked, ‘Paula is hungry as always, that’s why I started calling her hippo. I want you to become fitter. That’s the nice way of saying it.’
‘This walk is about you getting even fitter. I’m strategizing behind it. Why am I making you walk the whole of Monaco? I’ll leave it to your guess.’
Another clip showed Badosa relieved upon reaching a restaurant and telling Tsitsipas, ‘I’m having the whole menu. I’m sweating, so tired, and starving.’
To which Tsitsipas replied, ‘You can eat as much as you want. I’m telling you this because there’s plenty of walking ahead.’
‘Is this okay, girls? Please assist me,’ she implored into the camera.
Tsitsipas is stony-faced as he insists that his tennis star girlfriend Badosa carries her luggage while they walk at a frenetic pace while she gives a single digit response
Badosa pleads with the camera after being berated by the Greek tennis star: ‘help me girls’
He proceeded to tease her while she ate, stating, ‘Your name implies small and humble, but you are neither. One thing you’re not is small. You are quite grand (big). Where’s your humility? I’m yet to find it.’
Many social media users found the exchange unfunny and unsettling.
One individual wrote, ‘The Instastories by Stefanos Tsitsipas today, where he ridicules and disrespects his girlfriend Paula Badosa, are deeply uncomfortable to watch.’
Another remarked, ‘A tip: Your boyfriend shouldn’t call you a hippo and mention that you’ve earned the privilege to eat because you can walk it off later. What a jerk.’
Some defended Tsitsipas, arguing that his comments were meant as sarcastic banter.
A supporter said, ‘They are elite athletes motivating each other while managing their diet, exercise, teasing each other, and having fun.’
‘Both are pushing each other to improve and act as each other’s coach. If you don’t get Stef’s sarcastic humor, then you don’t have to be with him.’
Tsitsipas and Badosa announced themselves as a couple at Wimbledon in 2023 before splitting May this year, then reuniting
The incident occurred after Badosa, a former world No. 2, announced the end of her nearly year-long romantic relationship with Tsitsipas earlier this year, intending to stay friends.
Despite their breakup, recent footage showed the duo walking hand in hand in Monaco and spending time together.
Tsitsipas has previously faced criticism for his views on gender roles.
A video he shared depicted men as ‘providers’ and women in more submissive roles, which offended many fans.
The video suggested, ‘Men and women are not the same, and that is a blessing. He provides and protects, I [the woman] multiply. He is the head of the family, I am the heart… He provides the ingredients, I make the meal.’
This video resurfaced following Tsitsipas’s recent comments, with a fan noting, ‘Crazy when his girlfriend is a career woman… sigh.’
Nevertheless, Tsitsipas was seen supporting Badosa at Wimbledon, where he posted an affectionate message after her fourth-round success, stating, ‘Proud of you @paulabadosa,’ with a heart emoji.
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