2023-06-02 06:40:11
Some will say that this is the charm of Roland-Garros, and more generally of the Grand Slam tournaments, others will believe that the French public has (again) exceeded the limits on Thursday evening.
Not known for its impartiality and rather known for its unwavering support for French players, the public at Suzanne-Lenglen gave a new glimpse of it Thursday evening in the night session.
While the last tricolor representative, Arthur Rinderknechscrapped against Taylor Fritz (8th player in the world), the spans of Suzanne-Lenglen began to noisily support their player, to the point of challenging and booing the slightest discussion between Fritz and the referee.
Despite the loss of the 1st set, Fritz remained in his bubble to finally logically pocket it in four sets (2-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4) to the chagrin of the public present. After the match point, the American allowed himself to stare at the public by putting a finger on his mouth, as if to tell the French supporters to shut up.
A small provocation which was obviously not to the taste of the spectators, the boos doubling in intensity in the process. Even to the point of interrupting the post-match interview. At the microphone of Marion Bartolithe American never knew how to place one, taken in dislike by the supporters.
His only answer, deliciously ironic, pretty much sums up his state of mind: “I love you guys. The crowd was frankly amazing. They managed to ignite something in me, they supported me so much that I had to win.”
His only post-game statement. In the process, the American refused post-match interviews before canceling the traditionally obligatory press conference. Atmosphere, atmosphere.
On his side, even beaten, Arthur Rinderknech could only bow to the support of a public obviously won over to his cause: “Even though I don’t know that feeling, I felt like I was playing an old-fashioned Davis Cup match. It was really amazing to me.”
Incredible for him, a little less for Fritz. The American will undoubtedly console himself by telling himself that it is he who will face Franscisco Cerundolo (seeded #23) for a place in the round of 16.
1685692202
#Stormy #evening #RolandGarros #boos #provocation #sloppy #interview #Taylor #Fritz #long #remembered #French #public