One of the more enticing second round matches at the ongoing
Wimbledon Championships will feature
Arthur Rinderknech taking on
Taylor Fritz, with the Frenchman hoping to exact some revenge on the American after their controversial finish at last year's French Open.
Fritz faced off against Rinderknech in Paris over a year ago, where the two clashed in an entertaining second round encounter. With Rinderknech the home favorite, it came as no surprise that the crowd was fully behind their Parisian hero. Fritz did prevail after a tough four sets, but it was his actions afterwards that drew the ire of the fans and possibly Rinderknech.
Rinderknech looking forward to rematch
Following the match, Fritz began to shush the crowd even as he approached the net to shake hands with his French opponent. Although Rinderknech did not visibly react, the Parisian crowd showed little restraint as they mercilessly booed Fritz. The American did not hold back, resuming his 'shush' gesture even as he walked to the centre of the court to celebrate, before returning to his bench.
With both men set to face off at SW19 on Thursday, Rinderknech seems to have been anticipating a rematch against Fritz. The World No.76 did not mince words when asked to give his thoughts on facing the American again after their controversial clash in Paris last year.
“He won’t cry as much," said Rinderknech. "He whined a bit saying it was too noisy. I hold no grudge against him but he was wrong if he thought the crowd would send him kisses in between points.”
The Roland Garros clash was their only meeting on the ATP Tour, therefore Rinderknech will look to even the score not just for himself but also his home nation.