At last week’s HSBC Championships 2025 held at London’s Queen’s Club, American tennis player Taylor Fritz found himself embroiled in controversy following a heated exchange with qualifier Corentin Moutet. After picking up momentum from his recent title win at the Boss Open in Stuttgart, Fritz aimed to continue his success on grass but was upset by Moutet in a fiercely competitive match marked by tension and disagreement.

Fritz won the first set in a close tie-break, maintaining his usual intensity, but the second set saw tempers flare during a changeover at 5-4. The two players engaged in a loud argument requiring intervention from the chair umpire. Despite the conflict, the match proceeded with Moutet securing the second set, and an uncomfortable moment arose when Fritz’s forehand accidentally struck Moutet in the face during the third set. Fritz quickly apologized, preventing further escalation, though Moutet held his composure to win the match 6-7 (5), 7-6 (7), 7-5.

Kei Nishikori’s Public Apology After Infidelity Revelation

Japanese tennis star Kei Nishikori’s reputation took a severe blow following his confession of infidelity. After Japanese media exposed his affair with 32-year-old model Oguchi Azuki, Nishikori issued a formal apology to his family and supporters, expressing deep regret for his dishonesty and the pain caused.

“I deeply apologise for causing discomfort to everyone who supports me; tennis fans, tennis associations, sponsors, and other related parties, and for their concern and inconvenience due to my dishonest behavior. In addition, I deeply regret that I made my wife, children, and each ‘parent’ feel hurt,” Kei Nishikori said (via Shukan Bunshun).

“From now on, in order to fulfill my life as a responsible member of society, I will solely focus on tennis competitions and produce results. We will do our best to regain your trust,” he added.

Nishikori first encountered Azuki in Hawaii shortly before marrying Mai Yamauchi in 2022. Their year-long affair ended after Azuki’s boyfriend discovered the relationship, but the two reunited last year and were seen together recently. Nishikori’s admission has cast a shadow over his personal and professional image.

Emotional Outbursts From Young Tennis Players Under Fire

Mirra Andreeva, Paula Badosa, and Jack Draper each faced criticism for their unsportsmanlike conduct in recent tournaments, drawing ire from fans and observers. Andreeva, the teenage talent competing in Berlin, lost her composure after a three-set defeat to Magdalena Frech. Frustrated by her errors and mounting pressure, she struck a ball towards the crowd and an LED screen, leading to a code violation and warning.

Badosa’s campaign in Berlin ended prematurely due to a back injury sustained during the quarterfinals. After withdrawing, she vented her frustration by smashing her racket following the customary handshake. Draper, competing at Queen’s Club, also lost his temper during a tightly contested third set against Jiri Lehecka. At 5-5, upon losing his service game, Draper smashed his racket into an advertising board, causing visible damage. The trio’s emotional displays have disappointed fans who expected professionalism.

Mixed Doubles Revamp at the US Open Ignites Criticism

The United States Open announced a revamped format for its mixed doubles event, scheduling it during the qualifiers week to coincide with singles matches. The initial player list revealed that many of the top singles stars, including Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Naomi Osaka, would participate in the mixed doubles. This decision provoked backlash from the tennis community, particularly from specialized doubles players.

Critics argue that allowing elite singles players to enter mixed doubles undermines opportunities for doubles professionals, who already earn less prize money and recognition. Notably, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, the defending mixed doubles champions and known doubles specialists, were the only doubles pros included initially, emphasizing the tension between singles and doubles realms.

Serena Williams Sparks Debate Following Meghan Markle’s Comments

Serena Williams, universally acknowledged as one of the greatest athletes of all time, has excelled beyond tennis through her business ventures since retiring in 2022. However, her fans faced a wave of skepticism after Duchess Meghan Markle commented on Williams during an appearance on the podcast ‘Aspire with Emma Grede.’

Discussing Williams’ transition into business, Markle said, “She’s doing so well.” Some of Williams’ supporters perceived a condescending tone or jealousy within Markle’s remark, leading to criticism and questioning of Markle’s intentions toward the tennis legend.

Aryna Sabalenka Disputes Court Conditions at Berlin Tennis Open

At the Berlin Tennis Open, Aryna Sabalenka collided with the tournament supervisor amid controversy over court conditions during her second-round match against Rebeka Masarova. Sabalenka had won the first set 6-2 when concerns were raised about the slipperiness of one side of the court. Masarova requested to halt play, and the supervisor agreed, suspending the match despite Sabalenka’s protests.

“So you’re stopping the match because she said on that side it’s slippery? I just played two games on that side. She’s just losing the match,” Sabalenka said.

When play resumed the next day, Sabalenka prevailed 6-2, 7-6 (6) but was later ousted by former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in the semifinals. The incident highlighted tensions around tournament decisions and player safety.

Ongoing Impact of Recent Tennis Controversies

The recent series of controversies, from Taylor Fritz’s emotional outburst at Queen’s Club to Kei Nishikori’s personal scandal and the disruptive behavior of emerging talents, illustrates mounting pressure on tennis pros both on and off the court. The US Open’s mixed doubles revamp has further inflamed debates about fairness and opportunity within professional tennis.

Fans’ growing frustration over player conduct and governance decisions reflects deeper challenges the sport faces in maintaining discipline, transparency, and athlete integrity. As high-profile figures such as Serena Williams continue to navigate their post-tennis careers under public scrutiny, the tennis community remains engaged in discussions about respect, sportsmanship, and equity.

Looking ahead, how governing bodies manage player behavior, tournament formats, and public relationships with athletes will likely determine the sport’s reputation and appeal in an increasingly critical social climate.