WATCH: Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech ‘kicks’ his own chances at 2024 Roland Garros as he retires midway through his match against Tomas Martin Etcheverry

WATCH: Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech ‘kicks’ his own chances at 2024 Roland Garros as he retires midway through his match against Tomas Martin Etcheverry

Arhur Rinderknech (Image via Imago)

Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech literally kicked himself out of the 2024 Roland Garros in front of his home crowd while he was playing Tomas Martin Etcheverry. The 28-year-old had to retire midway through the match as he got his foot injured after kicking a banner in frustration. With this, Rinderknech lost on the chance to push through to the third round.

The Frenchman had a great opportunity as he was leading his Argentine opponent in the first two sets. However, tides turned from the third set onwards as Etcheverry stormed back. He won the third set in a dominant fashion, allowing Rinderknech to win a solitary game. The Argentine continued his dominance in the fourth set as well.

YouTube video

He won the first five games while Arthur Rinderknech struggled with his foot. The Frenchman could not maintain his shape with persistent issues in his left foot. Rinderknech could not continue despite taking help from the physio and eventually retired in the fourth set, handing the match to Etcheverry.

FS Video

The video of Rinderknech kicking the banner and injuring hist foot went viral on social media with netizens reacting to the unfortunate turn of events. A few also criticized the Frenchman for digging his own grave.

Tomas Martin Etcheverry now has Casper Ruud to face in third round!

While Arthur Rinderknech will be cursing himself for ruining his chances, Tomas Martin Etcheverry will be happy about cruising to the third round where he will meet third seed Casper Ruud. The Argentine will have an uphill task against the Norwegian who was a finalist at the Roland Garros last year.

Tomás Martín Etcheverry
Tomás Martín Etcheverry (Image via Radio Rebelde)

The Argentine last played Ruud in the Barcelona Open final and was sent packing in straight sets. However, Etcheverry did not go down without a fight as he forced a tiebreak in the opening set. He could not continue his form at the subsequent tournaments. But, before coming to Paris, the Argentine played in the final of Lyon Open.

Now, after entering the third round, Etcheverry will be hoping to capitalize on the momentum and the luck he has found in Paris. It is to be seen if he will be able to topple Ruud or if the Argentine player will face another defeat at the hands of the World No. 7.

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