‘I like me better naked’: Heartthrob Tsitsipas prompts meme frenzy with philosophical musings
Following a sensational Australian Open run Greek tennis talent Stefanos Tsitsipas has again captured the public’s imagination, this time by sharing his latest philosophical musings over his preference for nudity.
The 20-year-old, the youngest player ranked in the top 20, rose to prominence at the season-opening Grand Slam in Melbourne by knocking out tennis legend Roger Federer on his way to the semifinal, where he was beaten by Rafael Nadal.
READ MORE: ‘I saw Nadal naked’: McEnroe causes collective cringe with bizarre post-match interview
Perhaps unsurprisingly given his home country’s traditions, Tsitsipas is also known for his philosophical musings on social media.
The most recent of those came on Thursday, when the young tennis ace posted a shirtless waist-high picture, along with the lines: “I like me better naked. I don't mean that in a vain way...
“When you put clothes on, you immediately put a character on. Clothes are adjectives, they are indicators. When you don't have any clothes on, it's just you, raw, and you can't hide.”
I like me better naked. I don't mean that in a vain way... When you put clothes on, you immediately put a character on. Clothes are adjectives, they are indicators. When you don't have any clothes on, it's just you, raw, and you can't hide. pic.twitter.com/LxkSaHBEBM
— Stefanos Tsitsipas (@StefTsitsipas) January 31, 2019
It’s unclear whether the Greek star was in fact clothed from the waist down.
The selfie shared on Tsitsipas’ social media accounts triggered an avalanche of amusement from his followers, with some accusing the player of narcissism.
Love ya brother but that comment is so Zoolander! pic.twitter.com/xXNMLXDoxx
— Fonda Kougias (@Xenofon76) January 31, 2019
Stefanos, you're HILARIOUSLY NAIVE!!! :)) Believe Me, Being NAKED is also an "Indicator"... an even more powerful ADJECTIVE! It describes a person whether Beautiful, Attractive or............. "NO THANKS; I'll PASS"😟Anyway, be vain. You're Gorgeous. {Btw, So Is My Beau}❤️
— JUST AIMEE (@AIMEEPATERSON) January 31, 2019
— DrJohnBon20 (@karmabusdriver) January 31, 2019
Others recommended that the young star concentrate more on his sporting career, rather than being an attention-seeking provocateur.
Just put your clothes on and stop being silly to get noticed. pic.twitter.com/VcZ8GlImnh
— Susan Whitbrook (@anfield0405) January 31, 2019
Stick to tennis kid.
— Ferit Kayabal (@Ferit_Kayabal) January 31, 2019
Concentrate on your tennis. As a player you need to improve a lot. This is the way, you can earn respect and admiration from the entire world, which is more worthy than anything else.
— Sulagna Khan (@sulagnak) January 31, 2019
Just focus on hitting the ball. The rest are details
— Koula Michael (@KoullaMar) January 31, 2019
However, many users praised the player’s “naked initiative,” saying that it’s perfectly normal to want to show off a beautiful, well-built body.
You look great. You need more muscle tho, it will come with age, talk to Rafael👍
— JULIE THE #1️⃣RN Fan🎾🇪🇸🎾 (@JulieMackey7) January 31, 2019
I like you better naked too #GreekJesus@StefTsitsipas! LOL 🤔😂 pic.twitter.com/GH6xHt7nzx
— 🅝🅘🅒🅚🅘 (@supachicnic) January 31, 2019
Hey ... Whoa steady! 😂. I love your 🎾. Looking forward to seeing you play next...
— Alison ⚡🎆 (@lebaudy_elaine) January 31, 2019
I don’t think many people would disagree with your very first statement (trying hard not to sound like a perve!!😬) I’m really glad also that you have the confidence to be naked; most people don’t, which is why we like to hide behind our clothes.
— Cornish Bird (@BirdCornish) January 31, 2019
Others mocked his philosophical titbits – comparing him to famous male movie model ‘Zoolander’, played by Ben Stiller.
(Apologies — I couldn’t resist.) pic.twitter.com/Ty1Y4ZMYOs
— Tara Q Stewart (@Tara_Quinn) January 31, 2019
Tsitsipas, who is the grandson of Russian Olympic champion footballer Sergey Salnikov, became the youngest Grand Slam semifinalist since 2007 when he reached the last four in Melbourne.
His run at the Australian Open drew much praise and admiration from renowned tennis pundits, who predicted the Greek could top the ATP rankings one day.
