‘Disrespectful’: Storm erupts over ‘pathetic’ Wimbledon question

Tennis fans have slammed awkward scenes at Wimbledon after a player was asked a question that’s been labelled “disrespectful”.

Tennis fans have been left lost for words after British player Cameron Norrie was asked a question in his post-match press conference that has been described as “incredibly disrespectful”.

Norrie defeated Italy’s Mattia Bellucci 7-6 6-4 6-3 in their third round match to progress to the round of 16 as the last local hope in the men’s and women’s singles draw.

Britain’s Jack Draper lost in the second round in four sets to Marin Cilic in a disappointing result for the fourth seed, while Emma Raducanu can hold her head high after giving World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka a scare in their third round match.

Raducanu has been asked repeatedly about her love life after it was announced she was teaming up with Carlos Alcaraz to play mixed doubles at the US Open.

The 22-year-old said they are “just good friends”, but that hasn’t stopped speculation — Nick Kyrgios stirred the pot, joking about a “love triangle” between Raducanu, Alcaraz and Draper.

After making the fourth round at back-to-back grand slams, Norrie was asked in his post-match press conference if he was dating Raducanu.

A reporter asked: “Apart from everyone here loving the tennis, some of the gossip has been about who Emma Raducanu is dating. Can I ask if you’re dating her?

A puzzled Norrie replied: “Sorry?”

The reporter continued: “I was wondering if you’re dating her, please.”

Norrie answered: “I’m not, no. You can ask her (about her dating life). I don’t know.”

Cameron Norrie was baffled by the question. Photo: X.

The line of questioning didn’t go down well with tennis fans, who couldn’t believe Norrie was subjected to that at his press conference.

Tennis reporter Ben Rothenberg wrote on X: “Even for British tabloids at Wimbledon, this is a yiiiiiiiikes.”

The Tennis Letter account said: “Cam Norrie being asked about Emma Raducanu’s dating life in his Wimbledon press conference is a new all time low:”

Tennis blogger Pavvy G posted: Wholly inappropriate and incredibly disrespectful and distasteful to Emma Raducanu and Cam Norrie.”

One fan said: “So cringe it’s insane.”

Another commented: “It’s pathetic. Tennis journalism at its worst. Completely disrespectful towards Norrie.”

Britain's Emma Raducanu in her third round match. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP)

Cameron Norrie is into the fourth round. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Speaking on TalkSPORT ahead of Wimbledon, Kyrgios said lightheartedly: “I don’t know, I think it’s a love triangle.

“Draper, Alcaraz, Raducanu. They’re fighting over Raducanu I think, I’m not sure.”

He went on to praise all three players, who look set to make a deep run at Wimbledon.

“I think (on) the outside (she looks happy), I don’t know who’s making her happy,” Kyrgios said.

“The tennis world loves a love story, they love to try and put two together but Raducanu is number one British female player at the moment, she’s doing fairly well.

Emma Raducanu waves as she leaves the court after losing to Aryna Sabalenka. Photo: AP Photo/Kin Cheung.

“Obviously, winning a grand slam at 19 is never easy, it comes with a lot of expectations from the outside world. But, you know, as long as she’s happy.”

Elsewhere in third round action, Australia’s Jordan Thompson defeated Italy’s Luciano Darderi 6-4 6-4 3-6 6-3 to reach the round of 16, his best ever result at Wimbledon.

Carlos Alcaraz needed four sets to beat Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff as he aims to defend his Wimbledon title and win a sixth grand slam.

Australia’s Alex de Minaur and Daria Kasatkina play their third round matches on Saturday evening (AEST).

Originally published as ‘Disrespectful’: Storm erupts over ‘pathetic’ Wimbledon question