Nelly Korda found herself in the hot seat this week after making a surprising confession about genotype issues that didn’t land the way she may have hoped. What started as a vulnerable moment turned into a social media storm, as fans quickly took to Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to drag the tennis star for what many called “uninformed” and “tone-deaf” comments.
In a recent podcast appearance, Korda spoke candidly about her experience learning more about her genotype and its impact on her health and performance. But it wasn’t her openness that set the internet ablaze—it was her perceived misunderstanding of how genotypes work, especially when referencing hereditary conditions and compatibility in relationships.
“I didn’t realize how important your genotype is until recently,” she said. “Some people shouldn’t even be together because of it—it’s dangerous.” While some applauded her for shedding light on a lesser-discussed topic, others accused her of oversimplifying complex genetic science and perpetuating stigma.
One user tweeted, “Girl, please leave genetics to the experts. You play tennis, not God.” Another wrote, “This kind of platform requires more responsibility. You don’t get to misinform millions.”
As of now, Korda has not responded to the backlash, but with #GenotypeGate trending, it’s clear fans are watching her next move closely.
Whether this moment becomes a teachable one—or just another celebrity fumble—remains to be seen.
