Stefanos Tsitsipas’ ex-girlfriend, Theodora Petalas, recently launched a new podcast, “What’s the Call?”, with Andrea, where they discuss the latest developments in tennis. While the duo discusses topics in good humor, one of their comments about four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka prompted the Japanese star to clap back.
The issue arose when Petalas criticized Osaka’s grunting during a fiery second-round match against Sorana Cirstea at the Australian Open, prompting the Romanian to confront her at the net afterward. An irked Osaka quickly shared her opinion on the criticism she received from the podcasters on social media.
“I laugh when people that don’t know anything about tennis start a podcast about tennis. What do you mean grunting is unsportsmanlike, and it gives you the ick? Watch a different sport lol,” Osaka wrote on social media.
Clarifying their stance over the backlash faced for criticizing Osaka, Petalas, and Andrea exclaimed that while they understood where Osaka was coming from, what they had said earlier about her grunting was not that bad.
“I don’t think what we said was that bad. Some people have really loud grunts, and is that a potential hindrance? All we wanted to do was raise it as a point of discussion. And we’re defending her too. Also, let it be known that we never claim to be technical tennis experts,” the podcasters said.
“We’re just fans who love the sport. And we want to talk about it in a fun, casual way. Everyone’s entitled to their opinions. And that was ours. No one’s forcing you to watch or listen,” they further added.
Earlier in their nascent podcast journey, Theodora and Andrea had invited Tsitsipas as a guest, during which the Greek made a startling revelation about himself involving tennis legends Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Stefanos Tsitsipas Revealed Getting Drunk for the First Time With Federer and Nadal
Discussing off-court topics during the podcast episode, Tsitsipas revealed that the very first time he tried alcohol and got drunk in his life was with Federer and Nadal. The moment came during Team Europe’s celebration of their victory in the Laver Cup a few years back.
“I got drunk for the very first time with Rafa and Roger. That was the first time ever I drank alcohol in my life. Great way to start it, actually. I couldn’t ask for anything better. I had no idea what to order. I’ve never tried anything in my life, and Roger’s like c’mon, you gotta have a drink. I’m like ok,, well if Roger says, I gotta have a drink,” Tsitsipas said.
Back on the tennis court, the Greek is still struggling to maintain consistency in his form. He had a dissapointing Australian swing, then got knocked out of the Rotterdam Open in the round of 16, and has now lost his quarterfinal match against Andrey Rublev at the Qatar Open.
Tsitsipas has been without silverware for some time now and will aim to change that stat as he prepares to feature at the Dubai Open next, which starts on February 23.
Also read:
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
