Ahead of their second-round Wimbledon clash on Thursday night (AEST), French world No.76 Arthur Rinderknech has clipped American rival Taylor Fritz for taunting the crowd after their last clash.
In their only other previous meeting, Fritz rallied from a set down in a tense encounter at Roland-Garros last year.
Rinderknech was the only remaining local hope in either singles draw and the crowd broke into chants and renditions of the French national anthem to lift him.
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Fritz complained to the chair umpire on several occasions about the crowd’s behaviour, to no avail.
Fritz taunting the crowd after beating Arthur Rinderknech at the 2023 French Open. Getty
After clinching the match 2-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4, Fritz mocked the crowd when he raised a finger to his lips in a shushing motion.
He was barely able to conduct his on-court interview due to boos and jeers.
“I love you guys,” Fritz said sarcastically.
“The crowd was 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.”
Speaking at Wimbledon, Rinderknech was asked about their last encounter and said he didn’t hold a grudge against the American.
“The atmosphere will be quieter (than at Roland-Garros) and he won’t cry as much,” he said.
“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.”
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Arthur Rinderknech beat Kei Nishokori in a five-setter to progress to Wimbledon’s second round. Getty
Rinderknech will enter the match off the back of a five-setter against Kei Nishikori, where he twice rallied from a set down to win 5-7, 6-4, 6-7 (2), 6-3, 6-2.
Rinderknech is one of eight French players still in contention at Wimbledon – seven of which are men.
Fritz, meanwhile, had a pretty straightforward first round win against Aussie Chris O’Connell, prevailing in straight sets 6-1, 6-2, 6-4.
The winner will face either Italian world No.48 Flavio Cobolli or Chilean No.24 seed Alejandro Tabilo in the third round.