Cameron Norrie found himself fielding an unexpected personal question following his commanding victory over Italy's Mattia Bellucci at Wimbledon on Friday.
The British No 2 had just secured his place in the round of 16 with a 7-6 6-4 6-3 win when a reporter shifted focus from his on-court achievement to his private life.
During the post-match press conference, Norrie was asked directly whether he was dating fellow British player Emma Raducanu.
The question has been widely criticised by tennis fans, with many describing it as "incredibly disrespectful" to both players.
Cameron Norrie found himself fielding an unexpected personal question following his commanding victory over Italy's Mattia Bellucci at Wimbledon on Friday
PA
This incident adds to ongoing media speculation about Raducanu's personal life that has overshadowed tennis discussions at this year's Championships.
The exchange unfolded when a reporter asked: "Apart from everyone here loving the tennis, some of the gossip has been about who Emma Raducanu is dating. Can I ask if you're dating her?"
A clearly puzzled Norrie responded: "Sorry?"
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Emma Raducanu's dating life has been the subject of much speculation at Wimbledon this year
GETTYThe journalist persisted: "I was wondering if you're dating her, please."
Norrie's reply was direct: "I'm not, no. You can ask her (about her dating life). I don't know."
The tennis star appeared to be caught off guard, with the incident coming moments after he had secured his best Wimbledon result in recent years.
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The reporter's persistence despite Norrie's initial confusion has drawn particular criticism from observers.
The speculation about Raducanu's romantic life has been fuelled by recent comments from Nick Kyrgios.
Speaking on TalkSPORT before Wimbledon, the Australian suggested there was a "love triangle" involving the 22-year-old.
"Draper, Alcaraz, Raducanu. They're fighting over Raducanu I think, I'm not sure," Kyrgios said lightheartedly.
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The gossip intensified after Raducanu announced she would partner with Carlos Alcaraz for mixed doubles at the US Open.
Despite Raducanu stating they are "just good friends", media interest in her personal relationships has continued.
Kyrgios added: "The tennis world loves a love story, they love to try and put two together but Raducanu is No 1 British female player at the moment, she's doing fairly well."
Cam Norrie is through to the Wimbledon round of 16 following his victory on Friday
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Norrie's victory over Bellucci means he stands as the sole British representative in the singles draws after both Draper and Raducanu exited in earlier rounds.
Draper, the fourth seed, suffered a disappointing second-round defeat to Marin Cilic in four sets.
Raducanu bowed out in the third round after a spirited performance against world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka. Despite the loss, the 2021 US Open champion demonstrated her return to form by reaching the third round at consecutive Grand Slams.
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