Taylor Fritz was criticised by his next Wimbledon opponent Arthur Rinderknech.
The 26-year-old reached the second round at the All-England Club after defeating Australia’s Christopher O’Connell in round one.
He dropped just seven games on the way to recording his second successive victory over the unseeded player.
Fritz has now booked a clash with a player he defeated in an infamous clash back at the 2023 French Open.
Arthur Rinderknech accuses Taylor Fritz of ‘crying’ and being ‘whiny’ before Wimbledon match
At Wimbledon Fritz will take to court 12 on Thursday to face Rinderknech, which will be their first meeting after facing one another at Roland Garros a year ago.
It was a heated clash that saw the American enter the bad books of the French fans who were supporting their hometown player.
Despite facing the wrath of a passionate crowd Fritz claimed victory that day but ahead of their second clash, Rinderknech did not hold back on his assessment of the 12th seed.
“He won’t cry as much. He whined a bit saying it was too noisy,” the 28-year-old said. “I hold no grudge against him but he was wrong if he thought the crowd would send him kisses in between points.”
What happened in Taylor Fritz and Arthur Rinderknech’s first match?
The players competed against one another for the first time at Roland Garros 2023 on Court Suzanne Lenglen.
In a contentious battle, the vast majority of spectators were rooting for their fellow Frenchman and he made a great start to the match.
He claimed the first set, before Fritz stormed back to take a 2-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 victory. The crowd were already upset to see their countryman lose, but their sadness soon turned to anger.
Fritz began to shush the crowd after sealing the win, which prompted thunderous boos and jeers from those in attendance. They were still letting Fritz know what they thought of him during his on-court interview.
“The crowd was so just so great, that I had to let it fire me up. They cheered so well for me, I wanted to make sure I won. Thanks guys,” he said following the two-hour and 50 minute contest. This time Fritz will face Rinderknech in a neutral venue of Wimbledon.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
