Fritz And Sabalenka Support Idea Of Trash-Talking In Tennis

Sunday, 27 August 2023 at 06:00

byNurein Ahmed

Trash-talking in tennis appears to have generated a buzz among players in recent months, but it has been a topic that continues to divide opinion.

Lately, Taylor Fritz and Aryna Sabalenka who feature in Part 2 of the tennis docuseries Break Point that aired on Netflix, were reunited as they reflected on the latest show and gave their thoughts on whether they see it fit to have trash talk being part and parcel of a tennis match.

Some tennis players have voiced their support for trash-talking as long as it isn't personal. Coco Gauff liked the idea and she thinks it would bring more fans on board. While doubles partner Jessica Pegula reckons it is already happening on the ATP Tour, and can't understand why it gets too personal with the women.

Fritz and Sabalenka certainly favor the idea of trash-talk instilled in the cultural aspect of tennis, but both stated that it should be done with respect and in a way that fits the boundaries as it could provide some degree of entertainment.

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"Absolutely, I think there should be but it can't be fake. I'd get along with everybody. So it's like I don't know who I'd trash talk (laughing). It's not bad for like the entertainment aspect of the sport, but it has to be real."

— Taylor Fritz favors idea of trash-talking in tennis

"It should be natural. Yeah, I don't know, but it has to be with some kind of respect."

— Aryna Sabalenka calls for trash talk but with limits

Madison Keys also joined that bandwagon when she commented on the topic during the tournament in Charleston. Keys shared her views a lot more positively, saying that she would immediately laugh if her opponent would engage in some sort of heated dialogue while crossing the net.

Fritz then reflected on his short-lived experience at last year's US Open where the Break Point crew filmed his opening-round shocker to compatriot and wild card Brandon Holt while he traveled back to Manhattan. The top-ranked American man is determined to wipe off the slate clean and bounce back this year.

"It’s tough but I guess it makes me even more excited to go back to the US Open this year and more motivated. There’s a lot more fire. But obviously, when they were following me after the match and filming after the match when I was in the car I was like ‘This is tough. This is tough.’"

— Fritz reflects on 2022 loss to Holt

"But I also understood this is what you want to see, how I guess a loss like that actually impacts you when you put such high expectations on something."

— Fritz reflects on 2022 loss to Holt