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Taylor Fritz’s second-round victory over home favorite Arthur Rinderknech at the French Open 2023 ended on a dramatic note, with the American expressing frustration over the crowd’s conduct.
Fritz went up against Rinderknech, the last remaining Frenchman at Roland Garros this year, in the second round on Thursday. The duo had a late-night start due to the five-and-a-half-hour-long encounter between Jannik Sinner and Daniel Altmaier on Court Suzanne Lenglen earlier in the day.
Upon his arrival on the court Fritz was given a hostile reception by the crowd, who were expectedly hoping for their countryman to pull off an upset over the top American. Fritz, who ended up losing the opening set, had to compete against both Rinderknech and the clamorous crowd that refused to back down throughout the clash.
Fritz eventually sealed his victory 2-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 after two hours and 50 minutes of grueling tennis. The American, who is otherwise known for his calm demeanor, vented his frustration by making some angry remarks and shushing the crowd. But that only served to provoke them further.
The crowd continued booing even as former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli took to the court to interview Fritz.
"Love you guys. I love you guys," Fritz said sarcastically as Bartoli struggled to proceed with the interview.
Fritz repeatedly told Bartoli that he was unable to hear her questions. He then clapped back at the crowd before abruptly abandoning the interview.
"The crowd was so great cheering for me, I wanted to make sure I won," the 2022 Indian Wells champion said before taking his leave.
Taylor Fritz sets up third-round clash against Francisco Cerundolo at French Open 2023
Taylor Fritz has repeated his best result at the French Open by making the third round in the 2023 edition. He previously achieved the feat in 2020.
The American will now look to make it to the business end of the claycourt Slam by extending his good run of form. In his pursuit of a new career-best French Open result, Fritz will battle it out against Argentina's Francisco Cerundolo on Saturday, June 3.
