"Really have to bring this up during handshake?";"Sore loser": Fans annoyed by Alexander Zverev 'whining' to Taylor Fritz about his 'over the top' box
Alexander Zverev's lengthy exchange with Taylor Fritz at the net after their fourth-round clash at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships did not sit well with tennis fans. Moreover, the German's justification for the long chat also failed to win over fans.
With a coveted spot in the quarterfinals on the line, Zverev appeared poised for a commanding victory after winning the first two sets. However, Fritz displayed his resilience, staging a remarkable comeback from two sets down to claim a hard-fought 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 6-3 victory.
Following their thrilling battle, the German engaged in a lengthy conversation with Taylor Fritz at the net during the customary handshake.
In his post-match press conference, Alexander Zverev explained that the lengthy exchange was triggered by certain individuals in the American's player's box, apart from his "respectful" team, who were "too over the top" during the match.
"His team is extremely respectful. I think there's some other people that maybe are in the box that are not maybe from the tennis world, that are not maybe watching every single match. They were a bit over the top," Zverev said.
Tennis fans did not take kindly to Zverev "whining" to the American about his player's box, labeling the German a "sore loser."
"So soft. Really have to bring this up during the handshake? Now this is "whining,"" one fan commented.
"What does that even mean? Loser attitude," another fan chimed in.
"Fritz even gave him a way out by just saying that he was wishing well about the knee, but DVerev had to let everyone know what a sore loser he is," said another.
Several fans interpreted Zverev's remarks to be about Taylor Fritz's girlfriend Morgan Riddle and praised the social media influencer for rattling the World No. 4.
"Morgan wins woman of the year for this," one fan posted.
"Just woke up and I take it Zverev lost to Morgan Riddle, and therefore tennis is saved," another fan wrote.
"You doing amazing sweetie," said another.
One fan, meanwhile, commended the World No. 12 for handling Zverev's "tantrum" with grace.
"Low class of Zverev but high class of Fritz to diffuse it at the net and then extra level of high class of Fritz to try to diffuse it in the on court interview by saying it was about Zverev’s knee and not give Zverev’s tantrum air," the fan commented.
Taylor Fritz to take on Lorenzo Musetti in Wimbledon QF after win over Alexander Zverev
Following his win over Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz will continue his Wimbledon 2024 campaign against Lorenzo Musetti in the quarterfinals. Musetti defeated Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 to book his place against the American.
Fritz enjoys a 2-1 lead in his head-to-head record against the Italian. However, it was Musetti who claimed a 6-4, 6-4 victory in their most recent encounter at the 2024 Monte-Carlo Masters.
Looking ahead to their quarterfinal clash, the World No. 12 disclosed that he is anticipating a "tough" battle against Musetti.
"It's going to be a tough match. He's had a really good grass-court season. It's my second time in the quarter-finals, but this time it feels like I've earned it a lot more, so I'm really excited for the chance," Taylor Fritz said in his on-court interview.
If Taylor Fritz triumphs over the Italian, he will take on the winner of the match between Novak Djokovic and Alex de Minaur in his maiden Wimbledon semifinal.