“Shameful” attitude, the French public descended after Rinderknech-Fritz

The atmosphere was hot Thursday evening on the Suzanne Lenglen, on the occasion of the 32nd final of Roland-Garros between Arthur Rinderknech and Taylor Fritz. The American received boos from the crowd late in the game.

Rarely has an atmosphere turned sour between a player and the public just after a match. Thursday evening, Taylor Fritz had the honor of facing the last Frenchman still in contention at Roland-Garros. Supported by a whole audience, Arthur Rinderknech did try to overthrow the number nine seed of the tournament, but the obstacle was too high. Winner in four sets (2-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4), the American took it upon himself throughout the match in the face of pressure from the public. Before cracking once the victory in hand.

During the match, Fritz had to control himself, especially when a few spectators had fun disturbing him before each of his second serves. But the player managed to keep his cool to finally validate the victory. But at the time of the last unforced error of his opponent, synonymous with winning the match for him, Taylor Fritz then turned to the public by putting his finger on his mouth. Way to recall a certain lack of respect on the part of some towards him during the game.

Heckled by the French public against Arthur Rinderknech, Taylor Fritz dropped everything for his celebration. 🫣#Roland Garros pic.twitter.com/eO0llTzP83
— Universe Tennis 🎾 (@UniversTennis) June 1, 2023

He is completely right. The public did not respect it. Certainly the atmosphere was incredible but talking during the service of the players is just not possible.
— Thibanon (@Thibanon) June 1, 2023

” Intolerable “

The whistles then redoubled. Marion Bartoli entered the court for the traditional winner’s interview, but the former Wimbledon winner only managed to ask one question which she whispered in the ear of a Taylor Fritz who could not not to hear it. The American said a few words but under the boos, he returned to the locker room, tired of the attitude of the French spectators.

On social networks, the attitude of the part of the Lenglen public was not more appreciated. ” Intolerable“, “ ashamed“, “ unlivable“, are some of the words that are most often used to describe the spectators. This more moderate Internet user summed up a good part of the comments by referring to Fritz’s behavior in front of the public: “ He is completely right. The public did not respect it. Certainly the atmosphere was incredible but talking during the service of the players is just not possible. However, it remains to be seen how Taylor Fritz will be received on his next outing at Roland-Garros.