Taylor Fritz beat Frances Tiafoe in the 2nd round of the Australian Open on the John Cain Arena. The 20th seed took 2 hours 39 minutes to defeat his fellow countryman 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(7-5). Fritz ended the match with a strong, down-the-line backhand winner, after which he lay down on the court. 

However, post-match, Taylor had to clarify his celebration to journalist Ben Rothenberg on Twitter when the latter took a dig at the 20th seed. He called Taylor’s on ground collapse, ‘the first real I’m-On-Netflix reaction of the season.’

As per reports, Taylor Fritz is set to be a part of the Netflix documentary following men’s and women’s pro tennis players through the ATP and WTA tours and the Grand Slam events.

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What was the spat between Fritz and the journalist? 

Rothenberg is a tennis journalist and podcaster who has worked with the BBC, New York Times, CNN, and others.

After the all American second round tie, he took to Twitter and said, “Taylor Fritz collapsing to the ground after match point of a straight sets win over Tiafoe strikes me as the first real I’m-On-Netflix reaction of the season.”

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However, the American number one clarified his fall. Replying to Rothenberg’s Tweet, Fritz said, “Ben I’m not that dramatic man, my calf cramped cause I planted so hard for that last backhand.” 

Ben, further replying to Fritz’s tweet, ended the spat on a light note, saying, “That’s some hard planting! Glad it was on the last point then, very nice win.”

Rothenberg has been covering the Australian Open closely and often tweets about the tournament.

Taylor Fritz ends Tiafoe’s campaign

With 21 aces in his account, the 20th seed seemed to be in a strong position throughout the match. Holding onto his serve throughout the match, he broke Tiafoe in his 2nd service game in the first set and 3rd service game of the second set, winning the two sets with ease. Even though Tiafoe picked up his game and took the 3rd set to 6-6, he failed to match Fritz’s game, losing the tie break 7-5. 

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Taylor Fritz started his 2022 season on a strong note, putting up a decent performance in the ATP cup. He has also kicked off his Australian Open campaign on a strong note, winning the first two rounds in straight sets. 

He will now face 15th seed Roberto Bautista Agut, who defeated Philipp Kohlschreiber in straight sets to clinch his second round win.

Taylor and Roberto have a 1-5 head-to-head record, Roberto leading with 5 wins. Who do you think will win the third round match? Let us know in the comments.