Stefanos Tsitsipas Faces Criticism Over Comments to Paula Badosa

In a recent social media exchange, Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas faced criticism after making comments to his girlfriend, Spanish tennis player Paula Badosa, that some found inappropriate.

During a trip to Monaco, Tsitsipas shared videos on his Instagram Story where he referred to Badosa as a “hippo” and suggested she needed to become fitter. He was heard saying:

“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.”

While Badosa appeared to take the remarks in stride, expressing her eagerness to eat after their walk, many on social media did not find the exchange humorous. Critics labeled Tsitsipas’s comments as “deeply uncomfortable” and “jack*ss” behavior, expressing concern over the nature of his remarks.

Supporters of Tsitsipas argued that the interaction was a form of “sarcastic humour” between the couple, suggesting that their playful banter was being misinterpreted. They emphasized that both athletes, being in peak physical condition, often motivate each other through teasing and that the comments were made in jest.

This incident comes after the couple briefly separated in April 2024 before reuniting weeks later. Tsitsipas had previously spoken about the challenges of balancing their professional careers with their personal relationship, stating:

“It was hard for us being apart and I was going through some hard times too. I would say that I didn’t manage it very well either, because I was feeling the pressure of the tour, of my work.”

As public figures, both Tsitsipas and Badosa are accustomed to scrutiny, but this episode highlights the fine line between personal humor and public perception. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by couples in the public eye, especially when personal moments are shared on social media platforms.