“You won’t get bored with this series. So much happens. There are happy moments, bad moments, exciting, personal, professional moments…” Carlos Alcaraz said on April 22nd, during the official launch of the Netflix documentary Carlos Alcaraz: My Way at the Madrid Open. Indeed, Netflix’s deep dive into tennis life isn’t new, having partnered with the four GS, ATP, WTA, and ATP Media since the 2022 Australian Open to offer fans unprecedented behind-the-scenes access. However, a surprising twist during the ongoing Madrid Open stirred controversy. The appearance of the Squid Game cast, in a tennis setting, didn’t sit well with fans. What was intended as a fun crossover sparked outrage, with many calling it forced and cringeworthy! Curious what the fans are saying?

Squid Game, the South Korean dystopian survival thriller created, written, and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk for Netflix, became a global phenomenon after its debut on September 17, 2021. Centered around 456 contestants risking their lives in deadly children’s games for a massive cash prize of $39.86 million, the series captivated audiences worldwide. 

Led by Lee Jung-jae as ‘Seong Gi-hun’, Squid Game not only became Netflix’s most-watched series but also secured multiple accolades, including six Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. Following its meteoric success, the second season dropped on December 26, 2024, with the third and final season scheduled for release on June 27, 2025.

However, during the Madrid Open’s Game Day 6, reality and fiction collided in unexpected ways. Animated characters dressed in the iconic Squid Game costumes appeared courtside during matches, first spotted during Elena Rybakina vs. Elina Svitolina and later during Casper Ruud vs. Sebastian Korda.

Adding fuel to the fire, the WTA’s official X page shared a video capturing the eerie moment: a ballgirl prepared to serve, only for the camera to cut to the Squid Game squad standing in unison. The post cheekily captioned, “Let the ̶g̶a̶m̶e̶s̶ match begin… with some special guests courtside 👀 @squidgame x @netflix.”

Despite the light-hearted intent, the stunt sparked immediate backlash. Fans took to social media, voicing strong dissatisfaction and criticizing the crossover as cringeworthy and out of place in the tennis world.

Fans share their dissatisfaction over the promotional move of Netflix for Squid Game season 3

As soon as the WTA’s X post featuring the Squid Game-themed guests went live, the reactions came flooding in, and not in a good way!. One fan bluntly commented, “Girl wtf 😭 this tournament is so ridiculous,” while another simply summed it up as, “Cringe.”

This frustration isn’t entirely out of the blue. Earlier, fans had already expressed dissatisfaction when Carlos Alcaraz was made to hold an elaborate press conference just to confirm his participation at the 2025 Madrid Open. Many argued that a simple social media post from the Spaniard would have sufficed, finding the spectacle unnecessary and overblown.

One fan took the situation even further, posting, “What do they do to the poor person that loses the match?”  The fan is wondering what the Squid Game contestants sitting behind the player would do if the player loses the match. Fair point though! Isn’t it?

Adding to the chorus of discontent, another frustrated viewer remarked, “I gave up Netflix for the Tennis channel for simply content like this.🤦‍♂️” Netflix has, at times, been criticized for promotional campaigns that lack natural engagement with the audience, especially with traditional sports fans. Perhaps the most cutting comment came when a fan quipped, “Frank Underwood next…” referencing the House of Cards character known for his ruthless and selfish tactics. It’s a biting metaphor, isn’t it?

While the storm of opinions is still brewing, it’s clear that many fans want the players’ skills to be the centre of attention at the Madrid Open rather than promotional campaigns. What’s your take on this?