Kyrgios supports Fritz-Rinderknech conflict, says disputes stir fan interest

Nick Kyrgios weighed in on the conflict between Taylor Fritz and Arthur Rinderknech, agreeing that disputes in sports generate greater fan interest. The American's victory over the Frenchman in the second round of Wimbledon sparked controversy with his ironic comment at the end of the match: "have a nice flight home."

Kyrgios, who is at the All England Club as a TV commentator, closely follows the tournament and used social media to express his opinion on the Fritz-Rinderknech conflict, which dates back to the French Open.

The controversy began after their first encounter at the 2023 French Open. In that match, played at the Suzanne Lenglen court in Roland Garros, Fritz secured a heated victory, 2-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4. The crowd booed Fritz for much of the match while supporting the last local player in the competition. Fritz's provocative response included gestures telling the crowd to quiet down.

Before their Wimbledon match, Rinderknech suggested the atmosphere would be calmer and took a jab at his rival: “The atmosphere will be quieter (than at Roland-Garros) and he won't cry as much. He whined a bit saying it was too noisy. I hold no grudge against him, but he was wrong if he thought the French crowd would send him kisses in between points,” the 28-year-old commented.

Fritz did not appreciate his rival's comments, seemingly using them as extra motivation to secure a 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 victory over Rinderknech. At the net, the American added fuel to the fire with his ironic remark: "have a nice flight home."

Nick Kyrgios shared a post about the controversy on social media, stating: "This is what the sport needs... @Taylor_Fritz97 cheeky...