'If Medvedev's hat fits': On-court interview halted as American Taylor Fritz showered in boos
American star Taylor Fritz was likened to Daniil Medvedev after being mercilessly booed by the Roland-Garros crowd, but ultimately having the last laugh.
The men's No.9 seed rolled French hope Arthur Rinderknech 2-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 on Court Suzanne Lenglen to reach the third round of the Paris slam.
But the crowd turned on the American from the moment he walked on the court, and continued booing even after he walked off.
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When Rinderknech hit one long to end the match, Fritz turned to the crowd and put his finger to his lips.
Taylor Fritz of the United States celebrates his victory over Arthur Rinderknech of France by shushing the crowd. Getty
The booing intensified, but the American egged them on.
"Come on! I wanna hear it," he yelled.
Fritz had to pause his on-court interview because he couldn't hear the questions being asked, such was the extent of the crowd carry-on.
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When he did speak it was with more than a hint of sarcasm.
"The crowd was so great, honestly," he said.
"The crowd was so great that I had to let it fire me up. They cheered so loud for me that I had to make sure that I won, you know?
"Thanks guys."
Fritz's perfect response to the feral crowd was reminiscent of when Medvedev went head to head with the Flushing Meadows spectators in 2019.
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Four years ago the young Russian was booed during his third round win over Feliciano Lopez, and later taunted the crowd by claiming, "your energy tonight gave me the win".
Medvedev was again booed at the US Open when winning the 2021 final against Novak Djokovic.
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