Greek tennis player Stefanos Tsitsipas, currently ranked 25th in the ATP world rankings, experienced an unusual moment during his stay in Chicago. The athlete shared a funny story on social media that quickly went viral among sports fans: he was mistaken for French soccer star Antoine Griezmann, a forward for Atlético de Madrid. It all happened when Tsitsipas decided to take a bicycle taxi, a common form of transportation in large American cities. The driver, of Serbian origin, watched him closely and jokingly asked: “Antoine Griezmann?” Surprised, the tennis player replied with a smile: “No, I’m not him.”
But the driver, apparently convinced he was in front of the French star, responded with a wink: “Nice try.” Laughing at the situation, Tsitsipas shared the episode on his social media, writing: “It seems I’m playing for Atlético de Madrid now.” The post quickly garnered thousands of likes and comments from fans who found the confusion amusing. The physical similarity between the two athletes—the blond hair, elongated face, and relaxed style—was cited as the main reason for the confusion.
Despite playing completely different sports, Tsitsipas and Griezmann share some striking characteristics that often catch the eye of fans. Both have similar facial features, keep their hair long at various stages of their careers, and often adopt a fashionable style off the pitch and court. This similarity had been noted before by fans on social media. In 2022, after a photo of Tsitsipas during the Roland Garros tournament was posted, some users commented that he looked like the “Griezmann of tennis.” The tennis player himself, known for his good humor and charisma, has joked about this on other occasions, saying he could “play a few minutes for Atlético if coach Diego Simeone needed a makeshift striker.”
Griezmann, for his part, has yet to comment on the most recent incident, but French football fans have also joined in the fun, posting montages comparing the two athletes. Many have pointed out that the Greek could easily pass for the French player’s brother—especially when both have their hair down and stubble. Besides their physical resemblance, another commonality is their laid-back personality. Tsitsipas is known for being one of the most charismatic and expressive tennis players on the circuit, just as Griezmann is known in soccer for his good humor and irreverent attitude on and off the court.
This story reveals a side of Tsitsipas that fans know well: his sense of humor and his closeness to the public. The Greek is one of the most active tennis players on social media, frequently sharing behind-the-scenes moments, travels, personal reflections, and funny everyday situations. This spontaneity has helped Tsitsipas build a loyal fan base worldwide. Unlike many athletes who maintain a reserved profile, he enjoys interacting and showing a more human, lighthearted side of life on the professional circuit.
Others have taken the opportunity to joke about the fact that Tsitsipas is known for his unique style on the court. He often wears colorful bandanas, loose hair, and displays intense expressions during matches—all of which, combined, reinforce his image as an eccentric tennis star. The Greek’s lighthearted approach to unusual situations like this contrasts with the high-pressure environment of the professional circuit. After an uneven start to the season, plagued by injuries and fluctuating performance, the player has demonstrated a focus on regaining his best form while maintaining his emotional balance.
The case of Tsitsipas being mistaken for Griezmann illustrates how great athletes, despite fame and global recognition, continue to experience simple and unexpected moments like anyone else. The fact that the tennis player reacted with good humor and shared his story with the public only reinforces the charisma that has made him one of the most beloved names on the circuit. Since his rise to the top 10 of the world rankings in 2019, Tsitsipas has stood out not only for his technical talent but also for the authentic way he communicates with fans.
He represents a new generation of athletes who understand the importance of connecting emotionally with the public, showing that life off the court is also full of funny and unpredictable stories. With the repercussion of the episode, some fans suggested that Atlético de Madrid make an official joke by inviting Tsitsipas to a training session with the squad—an idea that quickly gained traction on social media. Although unlikely, the possibility of seeing the tennis player dressed in the Colchonero uniform would certainly be a spectacle in itself.
