The second season of Netflix’s docu-series ‘Break Point’ has been released. It featured the second half of the WTA and ATP events and players’ struggles en route to glory. But a comment from world number five Stefanos Tsitsipas has made many fans into thinking that he uttered a racist slur for Australia’s Nick Kyrgios.
Kyrgios and Tsitsipas’ rivalry during the third round of last year’s Wimbledon was in focus at one point during the docu-series. Tsitsipas had called the Aussie’s approach to tennis “uneducated” and “NBA-like” after their Wimbledon match.
Tennis fans on social media called out the Greek by perceiving his comments as “racist”. This led to the 24-year-old taking to social media and writing a long post, issuing an apology to Kyrgios and also clarifying that his intentions have been misinterpreted.
Stefanos Tsitsipas says he respects all the sports
Tsitsipas said that he holds no prejudice toward anyone based on ethnicity, background, and interests. He opened up about his struggles in 2010 when Greece underwent an economic crisis and that he found himself trapped in the clutches of the crisis while growing up as a Caucasian kid.
Tsitsipas said the economic crisis was accompanied by the phenomenon of nation-labeling. Through this, Tsitsipas highlighted that as he himself had gone through stereotypes and racism, he understands the importance of promoting inclusivity and celebrating diversity.
“It has come to my attention that some individuals have misinterpretedted my comments regarding Nick Lyrgios, labeling him as uneducated and accusing him of bringing a basketball mentality into tennis, insinuating racism where none exists,” Tsitsipas wrote on Facebook. “I want to emphasize that I harbor no prejudice towards anyone based on their background, ethnicity, or interests.”
The Greek then added that he respects every sport for the uniqueness it carries. “My previous remarks regarding Nick Kyrgios were not meant to undermine his intelligence or abilities. Instead, I simply intended to express my perspective on certain aspects of his playing style, drawing comparisons to the passion and intensity often associated with basketball.”
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