Taylor Fritz ‘supports’ racquet smashing, feels it adds to the drama

Taylor Fritz ‘supports’ racquet smashing, feels it adds to the drama

Nick Kyrgios smashing racquet (L), Taylor Fritz(R)

Racquets getting smashed on the court by frustrated players is not an uncommon sight for tennis fans. Many players have acted in anger many times and been punished for taking things too far. Recently, Taylor Fritz shared his thoughts about the issue believing as long as no one is in danger, it can be tolerated. 

The American star was talking to Clay Tenis where he shared his views about the debate of smashing racquets. He acknowledged that it should be allowed as long as it does not get out of hand as the ‘fans love to see it.’ Fritz believes that the younger generation of fans likes it as it adds to the thrill and drama of competition. 

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“If you are smashing your racquet on the court and it doesn’t leave your hand and there are no people really close to you that might be affected by the flying broken pieces, I don’t see a problem with it,” Fritz told Clay. The 25-year-old gave the example of Nick Kyrgios who has been most notorious on the Tour for smashing racquets.

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“ If your racquet company wants to fine you, that’s ok, but I just think the fans love that. There’s a reason why all of Nick’s (Kyrgios) matches are packed”, Fritz explained. Though Fritz wants racquet smashing to be allowed, he made it clear that no one should act insane. “At times, do some players go too far with it, of course, I don’t want people acting insane, but I think in tennis we punish things the fans like,” Fritz elaborated on the point. 

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Taylor Fritz on what interests fans of different age groups

Taylor Fritz (Image: GQ)

American star believes that the average tennis fan is too old and the sport needs to attract younger audiences. Fritz acknowledges that the drama on the tennis court is one way to do that. “These die-hard tennis fans like it to keep it very classy and polite and want no one doing anything, I respect that, but they should also want what is best for the sport and that’s attracting a younger audience. What attracts people of my age is the drama,” Fritz said. 

“Let’s put it this way: anytime players have some type of beef, maybe don’t like each other, people are always so much more excited for when they play. Let’s be totally honest. It’s a matchup because you know there’s something going on with them,” Fritz further added. 

Fritz just finished the 2022 season ranked 9th and will be looking forward to big returns in the upcoming season. He has set his eyes on the United Cup scheduled to start in a couple of days. Moving on in the season consolidating his position among the next-gen stars will be his primary goal.

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