Canadian tennis pro Denis Shapovalov has landed himself in hot water after a post-match press conference turned into a media firestorm, following his controversial remarks about the upcoming generation of tennis players.
After an early exit at the Madrid Open, the 25-year-old was asked about rising stars like Jannik Sinner, Holger Rune, and Carlos Alcaraz. His response shocked fans and fellow players alike:
“They’re good, sure—but most of them are just riding hype. I don’t see the hunger or respect for the game that used to be there. It’s all about social media now, not titles.”
Within hours, Shapovalov’s comments were trending worldwide, with tennis fans accusing him of jealousy and hypocrisy. Critics pointed to his own inconsistent performances and questioned whether he was lashing out due to his recent struggles on tour.
“The irony of Denis calling out others for not winning titles is wild,” one fan tweeted. “Alcaraz has more Slams than Denis has semi-final appearances.”
Holger Rune appeared to throw shade on Instagram with a cryptic story that read:
“Talk less. Train more.”
Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz took the high road, saying in a press interview:
“Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I’ll just keep working and let my game speak.”
Tennis legends and analysts weighed in as well, with former pro Andy Roddick commenting:
“If Denis wants to see more respect in the game, maybe start by showing some yourself.”
As backlash builds, Shapovalov has yet to issue a formal apology or clarification, though insiders suggest his team is urging him to “cool down and clean it up” before the French Open.
Whether a frustrated outburst or a calculated call-out, one thing is clear: Denis Shapovalov has stirred up a storm—and the next time he shares a court with one of these young stars, all eyes will be watching.
