What Stefanos Tsitsipas said to Arthur Fils at the net amid crowd boos after losing to him at the Italian Open
Following a dramatic third-round match at the 2025 Italian Open on May 11, where Arthur Fils defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, a tense exchange unfolded at the net amid crowd boos. The incident stemmed from a second-set moment when Tsitsipas hit a backhand body shot that struck Fils at the net, a legal but contentious tactic. Fils, who used the incident as motivation for his comeback, clarified that Tsitsipas apologized at the net, saying he did not intend to target him.
Fils recounted the conversation to Tennis TV, stating, “He told me at the end he wasn’t going for my body. I told him, ‘I know it, I know it, it’s okay, it’s all good.’” Fils explained he had ignored Tsitsipas’ on-court apology gestures during the match, saying, “He was asking why I didn’t look at him when he hit me,” as per L’Equipe. The discussion grew animated, with Tsitsipas gesturing toward the net and mentioning the crowd, while Fils responded, “It’s not a problem but you touch me,” amid jeers from the SuperTennis Arena crowd, prompting umpire Greg Allensworth to intervene.
Fils downplayed the spat, praising Tsitsipas: “I like him. He’s a great guy. A great champion. It was a bit tight in the second set. He went for my body. It’s part of the game. There’s nothing wrong with it.” He admitted using the incident to fuel his fight, noting, “I just needed to find a way to fight. It worked.” Sky Sports commentator Jonathan Overend called the exchange “very, very unusual,” while posts on X, like @TennisHypeMedia, defended Tsitsipas, asserting the shot was legitimate and apologized for. The resolution came when Fils placed his arm on Tsitsipas’ shoulder, with the umpire saying, “Good job guys, good job.”
Tsitsipas’ exact words beyond denying intent to target Fils were not fully detailed, as the conversation shifted to Fils’ perspective and the crowd’s reaction. The exchange, lasting nearly a minute, reflected competitive intensity rather than lasting animosity, with Fils maintaining respect for Tsitsipas’ clay-court prowess.
