Taylor Fritz has issued an apology after appearing to 'like' a reply to a homophobic Tweet by MMA fighter Sean Strickland.
American Fritz clarified that he did not mean to like the Tweet, which was a now-deleted response to Strickland criticising Pride month, and in a statement to his followers on X (formerly Twitter) said: "I definitely didn't purposefully like this. I was looking at Strickland's profile a couple days ago because of all the news he was in while in Vegas. I had to have accidentally liked that while scrolling the replies.
"I just want to make it clear for anyone that doesn't know me: I absolutely don't stand for any of this and if you were to look at my likes it's either all gaming/tennis things. I would never do that on purpose." Strickland's bout against South African Dricus Du Plessis last month was dominated by the American fighter going on an anti-LGBTQ+ rant during the build up.
Fritz, 26, had previously spoke about exclusivity on the circuit, telling Clay last December that it would be "totally normal" for an active ATP player to come out. “I’m not sure if there are homosexual players in the top 100. Statistically speaking, there should be… I think it’s odd, because I feel like a player would be accepted. Myself and my friends, other players on tour wouldn’t have any issues with it, it would be totally normal.”
On the court, the former World No. 5 has enjoyed a fruitful start to 2024, coming off a victory in the ATP 250
Delray Beach Open, defeating compatriot Tommy Paul in straight sets in the final. He also reached the Quarter Finals of the Australian Open, eventually succumbing to Novak Djokovic.