Dedura-Palomero reflects on his controversial celebration in Munich: "At my age, it's normal to be overwhelmed by emotions"

Diego Dedura-Palomero made headlines last week at the Munich tournament.

The 17-year-old German advanced to the second round after Denis Shapovalov retired, then celebrated by drawing a cross on the court before lying down on it.

A few days after the viral moment, which drew widespread criticism, Dedura-Palomero was interviewed by Punto Debreak about the incident:

"First of all, I was playing at home. I managed to play freely against Shapovalov as a lucky loser. That opportunity completely liberated me. I realized I might have a chance to compete, and everything happened so fast in my head.

When I won the match… well, what happened happened. The emotions took over. I’m 17—it’s not every day I win a match at this level.

A lot of people don’t understand, but beating a Top 30 player at my age is really tough. I was so happy about the win, and I wanted to show that to the crowd.

At my age, everything is harder. Maybe at 25, I would’ve handled it differently. But at my age, it’s normal to be swept up by emotions. The cross was a reference to God, to thank Him. I’m a very religious person—that’s why I celebrated that way."