French Open – Provocation after booing: John McEnroe reacts to Taylor Fritz’s behavior: ‘I loved him’

The same game was repeated in the subsequent interview on the court, Marion Bartoli not receiving a word due to the constant booing. However, the seven-time Grand Slam winner McEnroe found only positive words for his compatriot.

“I know what it’s like when the fans are against you, so respect Taylor, I like that,” McEnroe said. “An unfriendly audience can be very intimidating, but it can also be very inspiring. You can harness negative energy.”

The 64-year-old has known Fritz since he was a Laver Cup captain and testified to the great supremacy of California: “If you know Fritz, you know he is. He’s very confident and can be so. You’ve got to be a top player.”

Wilander: “The fans are excited about it”

Eurosport expert Mats Wilander did not want to overestimate the American’s banter to the crowd: “I don’t think the fans necessarily want to boo other players, but they are very excited about it.” As the Swede said of Fritz: “He handled it very well.”

However, the 58-year-old questioned whether French spectators were doing their home heroes a favor by loudly booing their opponents. In his opinion, that would provoke his opponents even more.

Wilander most regrets that all the French participants, men and women, have already been eliminated. “It’s not good for the championship,” he explained.