Taylor Fritz quieted the haters at Roland Garros — literally.
The American tennis star, ranked ninth at the French Open, riled up the crowd during his 2-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 comeback victory over 78th-ranked Arthur Rinderknech in the second round on Thursday night.
Rinderknech’s defeat marked the end of French players’ chances in the men’s bracket and brought out the boos from the fans, who had tried to rally their man by singing the French national anthem throughout the match.
Fritz, upon making his winning shot, responded by holding his finger to his lips — and then yelled back at them.
“Come on,” he shouted animatedly. “I want to hear it!”
The boos did not let up — and neither did a feisty Fritz — continuing through Marion Bartoli’s on-court interview with Fritz.
Taylor Fritz gestures after winning against France’s Arthur Rinderknech at the end of their men’s singles match.AFP via Getty ImagesThe crowd rained down their displeasure on the American for minutes despite pleas from the chair umpire before he was finally able to end their exchange.
“I came out and the crowd was so great honestly. Like, the crowd was just so great,” Fritz said sarcastically. “They cheered so well for me, I wanted to make sure that I won. Thanks, guys.”
He then made an exaggerated bow and left.
Fritz rallied for the win.Getty Images
Rinderknech appreciated his support from the French crowd.AFP via Getty Images Rinderknech, on the other hand, was able to endear himself to the crowd before leaving, drawing a heart in the clay at Court Suzanne Lenglen.
Fritz will face Agentina’s Francisco Cerundolo, the tournament’s No. 23 seed, in the fourth round on Saturday.
