SACHA Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher's divorce was "on the cards for some time" a behaviour expert has claimed following their shock joint statement.
And the Hollywood couple tried to "deflect" from the emotions involved in their split with a comical announcement - which has now been mocked online.
The post, shared via Instagram, saw Ali G and Borat star Sacha, 52, with an arm around Isla, and the stars smiled while posing in fancy dress as tennis players.
They likened their 22 year marriage to a game of back and forth on the court that had finally come to an end.
The movie stars, who share three kids, wrote: "After a long tennis match lasting over 20 years, we are finally putting our racquets down.
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“In 2023 we jointly filed to end our marriage.
“We have always prioritised our privacy and have been quietly working through this change.
"We forever share in our devotion and love for our children.
"We sincerely appreciate your respecting our family’s wish for privacy.”
A source told The Sun Sacha hadn't wanted to announce their split, but that Isla was worried about her reputation and felt it was the right thing to do.
Now speaking exclusively to The Sun on behalf of Spin Genie, psychologist and behavioural expert Darren Stanton believes the tennis joke hid the weight of their pain and pointed to persistant troubles in their marriage.
He said: "The language they use here is interesting - comparing their relationship to a tennis match and one that's lasted 20 years, suggests the split has been on the cards for some time.
"Despite the fact Sacha is a comedian, people do tend to rely on sarcasm a lot when they are trying to deflect.
"It's a move regularly used by politicians. People will avoid directly addressing a topic through humour."
Darren also claimed Sacha is someone who covers up how he's really feeling.
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He continued: "You'll notice in previous interviews that both Sacha and Isla use sarcasm a lot, showing that their split statement is consistent with their typical behaviour.
"The pair have been known for keeping their relationship private, so it's not surprising that they aren't as forthcoming in their statement as some other couples may choose to be.
"It's a classic case of what we call pivoting - a person using sarcasm so they can avoid answering a question, in this case avoid sharing too much detail.
"We use sarcasm to try and create one kind of reality that may actually be very different to what is really going on.
"Sacha is a great one for adopting this technique."
However, the "bonkers" tennis themed statement is now being mocked online.
Following their statement, fans took to social media and called the wording "insane".
Another branded the comical statement the "weirdest way to announce a divorce ever."
The statement also comes as Sacha recently revealed he was taking legal action against actress sRebel Wilson, after she wrot aout an uncomfortable encounter working with an "a**hole actor."
Rebel, 44, and Sacha, 52, starred opposite each other in 2016 movie Grimsby and it also featured an appearance by Isla.
The 2016 movie - which flopped at the box office - has been at the centre of allegations involving him and co-star Rebel.
A rep for Sacha previously denied Rebel's claims in a statement to TMZ.
Meanwhile, Rebel took to Instagram last night and broke her silence after Sacha and Isla's split announcement.
She plugged her upcoming "in person" interviews discussing her memoir, Rebel Rising, while posting a link to buy tickets.
She also shared a timely post following Sacha's relationship news.
