As the clay courts of the 2025 Madrid Open ignite with tennis fervor, an unexpected storm has erupted off the court, centered on Manchester City, the Premier League giants and sponsors of rising tennis star Jack Draper. The British No. 1, ranked world No. 7, found himself at the heart of a controversy dubbed the “Celebration Police” saga after his exuberant reaction to a thrilling third-round victory on April 28. Draper’s display, featuring animated gestures mimicking a football celebration, was meant to honor Manchester City’s recent 3-2 Premier League win over Tottenham Hotspur. However, it drew sharp criticism from fans and pundits, who branded it “embarrassing” and “cringe-worthy,” igniting a debate about sportsmanship and sponsorship influence in tennis.
Draper, a 23-year-old from Surrey, has been a breakout star in 2025, reaching the Madrid fourth round for the first time and cementing his status as Britain’s top male player. His match against France’s Gael Monfils was a rollercoaster, with Draper rallying from a set down to win 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(5) in a gripping tiebreak. As the final point landed, Draper unleashed a choreographed celebration: he cupped his ear to the Caja Mágica crowd, sprinted to the sideline, and mimicked sliding on his knees—a nod to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland’s iconic goal celebration. The act was a tribute to City, who had just clinched a dramatic victory, with Phil Foden scoring the decisive goal. Draper, a lifelong City fan and brand ambassador since 2024, later explained, “I’m a massive City supporter, and that win meant a lot. I just wanted to show some love to the team and have a bit of fun with the crowd.”
The gesture, however, backfired. Social media erupted with criticism, with fans calling it “tacky” and “unprofessional.” One user on X lamented, “Tennis is about class, not football theatrics. Draper’s celebration was embarrassing for such a prestigious event.” Another dubbed it “cringe-worthy,” accusing Manchester City of turning the Madrid Open into a “circus.” The backlash, trending as the “Celebration Police” on X, reflected a broader sentiment that Draper’s antics clashed with tennis’s traditional decorum, especially at a WTA and ATP 1000 event. Critics argued that City’s sponsorship, which includes prominent branding on Draper’s kit, was exerting undue influence, blurring the lines between football bravado and tennis etiquette.
Draper, unfazed, defended his actions in a post-match press conference. “I get that some people might not like it, but I’m here to play my game and express myself,” he said. “City’s support has been huge for my career, and I wanted to give a shout-out.” His coach, James Trotman, echoed the sentiment, noting, “Jack’s young, passionate, and bringing energy to the sport. Let’s not stifle that.” Manchester City, too, embraced the moment, reposting a clip of Draper’s celebration on their official channels with the caption, “Our boy Jack bringing the City vibe to Madrid!”
The controversy has sparked a deeper conversation about the intersection of sports cultures. Tennis, often seen as a bastion of restraint, is grappling with the influx of personality-driven displays, especially from younger players like Draper, who grew up idolizing football stars. His celebration, while polarizing, resonated with younger fans, who flooded X with support, praising his authenticity. “Jack’s just being real,” one fan wrote. “Tennis needs more of this energy, not less.” Others, however, felt the Madrid Open’s prestige was undermined, with one commenter stating, “This isn’t the Etihad Stadium. Save it for the pub.”
Draper’s run in Madrid continues, with a fourth-round clash against No. 4 seed Alexander Zverev looming, offering a chance to shift focus back to his tennis. His 2025 season has been stellar, with a US Open semifinal and a Vienna Open title, pushing his ranking to a career-high. Manchester City’s backing, including funding for his training, has been pivotal, but the “Celebration Police” saga underscores the scrutiny that comes with such high-profile partnerships. As Draper navigates the clay, his flair—both on and off the court—promises to keep the tennis world buzzing, whether the purists approve or not.