Sparks Fly Between Rinderknech and Fritz at Wimbledon: A Rivalry Ignites on the Court

Tennis is sometimes criticized for being too smooth. But between these two, sparks quickly fly. Since their clash in the second round of Roland-Garros in 2023, there has been a dispute between Arthur Rinderknech and Taylor Fritz and their reunion, Thursday at Wimbledon, added fuel to the fire, so to speak. If there was no notable friction during the match, everything changed when the American won (6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4). As he approached the net, he teased the Frenchman: “Have a nice flight home” (“Have a nice flight home”, in French), he whispered to him while tapping him on the shoulder.

If Rinderknech then approached Fritz, incredulous, the Californian retorted several times, firmly: “You know what you did.” The sequence did not fail to set social networks alight, and Nick Kyrgios, a great fan of trash-talking, was delighted by relaying it. “This is what sport needs. The insolence of Taylor Fritz…” Some could nevertheless say that the American’s provocation was useless. Perhaps so, but the context is worth recalling.

Rinderknech had launched hostilities in the press

Even before this reunion, Rinderknech himself had stirred things up, estimating in the press that Fritz would not have as much opportunity this time “to cry” and complain about “the noise”, referring to their previous duel. A year earlier, the Californian, who was playing against the Frenchman supported by an entire crowd at Porte d’Auteuil, had shown his ear to the spectators after winning. He had then received whistles and had not even been able to express himself during the interview on the court. He had complained about it afterwards, an attitude that had not pleased his French rival for whom Fritz had reaped what he had sown by his provocation.

Having learned of Rinderknech’s statements, Fritz therefore had an additional source of motivation and prepared his responses, on the court and in words. The opposition between the two men has in any case provoked a reaction. Former American player Mardy Fish also savored his compatriot’s response: “I have never been so proud,” he posted on X, with a small American flag. That spices up this first week at Wimbledon.

2024-07-05 15:05:00
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