Last hour: Luca Ferrini announces the refusal to celebrate the month of pride in June – “The ‘Woke’ culture does not deserve to be celebrated”, he says

Milan, June 4, 2025– The case in the world of Italian sport breaks out. Luca Ferrini, a young and promising emerging tennis player, publicly declared that he does not intend to participate in the celebrations of the month of the Lgbtq+ pride in June, defining the “Woke” culture a phenomenon from which to distance himself. His words immediately turned on a heated debate on social media and in the media, dividing fans and colleagues.

Ferrini’s shock declaration

During a press conference before the ATP tournament in Rome, Ferrini explained the reason for his gesture:

“I will not participate in the initiatives related to the Pride Month. I believe that what is called ‘Woke’ today is more a forced fashion than a real inclusion movement. I don’t think something should be celebrated that, in my opinion, creates divisions instead of uniting.”

His position, which many call “countercurrent”, immediately triggered conflicting reactions in Italy and abroad.

Social reactions: #Teamferrini and #Noferrini collide

The announcement quickly made the tour of social networks, with thousands of comments in a few hours. On Twitter, the hashtag#TeamferriniIt was adopted by those who share their criticism of “Wake culture”, while the hashtag#NogniniIt is used by those who accuse the tennis player of insensitivity and intolerance.

A user writes:

“Finally someone who has the courage to say what he thinks without fear of being ‘canceled’. #Teamferrini”

While another replies:

“Being Wake means fighting for rights and equality, not a fashion. Disappointed by Ferrini. #NOFERRINI”

The world of sport is divided

There are also different positions of Italian and international sportsmen. Some colleagues from Ferrini expressed solidarity for his freedom of thought, while others invited him to reflect on the importance of supporting the rights of minorities.

Tennis champion Martina Bianchi commented:

“Sport must unite, not divide. Pride Month is a time to celebrate diversity and respect, fundamental values ​​also in our world.”

On the other hand, the former footballer and commentator Roberto Neri said:

“Not everyone must follow the current. Ferrini has the right to choose what to celebrate and what does not.”

What does “Woke” really mean?

The term “Woke” has become increasingly controversial in recent years. Born as an expression of social awareness of discrimination, it has often been criticized as a symbol of an exasperated “politically correct” culture or a set fashion.

Ferrini added:

“I am not against civil rights or against anyone, but I believe that today the word ‘Woke’ is used to justify anything, even at the expense of common sense and mutual respect.”

The debate on the role of athletes in social issues

Luca Ferrini’s story brings back to the center the theme of the involvement of sportsmen in social battles. In recent years, many athletes have chosen to take sides openly on issues such as racism, LGBTQ+ rights and the environment, but there is no shortage of those who believe that sport should remain outside politics and culture.

According to the sports sociologist Giovanni Rossi:

“Athletes are public figures with a great influence, so all their word or gesture becomes a powerful signal. The Ferrini case shows how polarized today social debates are, even in sport.”

The reaction of the fans: on the rise tensions

Ferrini’s popularity risks suffering the effects of this controversy. On Instagram, many fans have canceled their follow -up, while others defended him as a sword.

In a recent live, Ferrini responded to criticisms in a stop:

“I’m not trying to offend anyone, I just want to be honest with myself and with my fans. I will not participate in Pride Month, but I continue to respect everyone.”

And now? What will happen to the young tennis player?

The world of Italian and international sport will carefully follow the developments related to Luca Ferrini. Will he be able to regain the favor of the public or will this choice mark a turning point in his career?

Meanwhile, the debate is more heated than ever: what is the role of athletes in social issues? And how much does their voice count in modern culture?