‘Wildest celebration ever seen’: Teen stuns tennis with crucifix act

A teenager has left tennis fans lost for words after marking a miraculous turnaround with one of the wildest celebrations ever seen.

It’s Easter this weekend and a teenage tennis player has taken inspiration from Jesus with a unique celebration after his hopes of staying alive in a tournament were resurrected.

Diego Dedura-Palomero became the first player born in 2008 or later to take part in an ATP tour match on Wednesday (AEST) when he overcame eighth seed Denis Shapovalov to reach the last 16 at the Munich Open.

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Born on March 12, 2008, Germany’s Dedura-Palomero is ranked 549th in the world.

Added to the main draw as a lucky loser after the withdrawal of French veteran Gael Monfils, the 17-year-old was leading 7-6 (7/2), 3-0 up when his opponent retired hurt.

He celebrated in unique fashion, screaming and pumping his fists — before using his foot to draw a large cross on the red clay and lying down on his back — demonstrating how his fortunes in the tournament had been resurrected.

“Not entirely sure what he’s doing here, it’s like he won the whole thing,” a commentator said on the broadcast.

Watch the teen’s crucifix celebration in the video above

He lay down in a crucifix celebration on the clay court. Photo: Instagram.

What a celebration. Photo: Instagram.

The celebration divided opinion among tennis fans, with some arguing it was over top given Shapovalov retired hurt and others saying he was entitled to celebrate after recording his first career win.

Tennis reporter Ben Rothenberg wrote on X: “Wildest celebration I’ve ever seen:

“17yo Diego Dedura-Palomero lost in Munich qualifying, got resurrected as a lucky loser.

“When he wins (via Shapovalov retirement), he draws a giant cross on court and lays down in the middle like a crucified Jesus.

“He was up a set and 3-0 before Shapovalov retired, so a victory had been earned when the stoppage came. And if his celebration is too much … maybe everyone else is doing too little.”

Tennis commentator Jose Morgado said: “Not your usual post retirement celebration, but you gotta understand …”

Diego Dedura-Palomero celebrates claiming his first career win. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images for BMW)

One fan wrote on X: “Well done but hopefully his parents and coach teach him to not celebrate when someone retires.”

A second said: “Celebrating like you won a GS after your opponent retires with injury is so bad. He’s young hopefully he’ll learn.”

A third said: “So sorry but this is cringe.”

Another commented: “Love it! First win on the tour is a big deal and will be a core memory forever. Happy he’s celebrating like he’s won the whole tournament bc he’s worked his whole life for this moment. He deserves it.”

Dedura-Palomero became the fourth youngest player ever to win an ATP 500 tour match, behind only Bjorn Borg, Guillermo Vilas, Dinu Pescariu and John Alexander.

Diego Dedura-Palomero of Germany was pumped up after his win against Denis Shapovalov at the BMW Open. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images for BMW)

“I can’t believe it and can’t put it into words. I’m so happy,” Dedura-Palomero said on court after the match.

“I told myself: Just have fun, enjoy the atmosphere. This is crazy. I want to thank my mum, who’s watching at home, and my brother.”

His elation was in stark contrast to the emotions of last year’s winner Jan-Lennard Struff, who was thumped 6-0, 6-2 by Argentinian Francisco Cerundolo earlier on Tuesday.

“The confidence isn’t there, zero,” Struff said, adding: “As soon as I get out on the court I feel like the power has been cut.” On Monday, number one seed and 2025 Australian Open finalist Alexander Zverev won to set up a last-16 clash against fellow German Daniel Altmaier on Wednesday.

Diego Dedura-Palomero’s celebration wasn’t the only bizarre moment seen on the tennis court overnight, with British player Harriet Dart apologising after she asked the chair umpire to tell her opponent to wear deodorant.

With AFP

Originally published as ‘Wildest celebration ever seen’: Teen stuns tennis with crucifix act