"Nothing new, just me getting ripped for making a joke about Novak being better than everyone" - Fritz on quote drama
ATPFriday, 19 August 2022 at 01:30
Updated at Monday, 20 January 2025 at 17:40
Taylor Fritz was asked about Novak Djokovic's participation at the 2022 US Open, and he tried to add a little joke in his response, but it was misinterpreted.
The American player currently competes at the Cincinnati Open, which is the last ATP Masters 1000 tournament before the US Open. The last major of the season starts on August 29th, 2022, and it seems that it will be played without Novak Djokovic.
After winning the Wimbledon Championships earlier this year, the Serbian would be a big favorite to win also in New York, but since he's not vaccinated, he likely won't be able to enter the country.
Speaking about Djokovic's case, Fritz couldn't see a reason why the 21-time Grand Slam champion wouldn't be allowed to enter the United States and play at Flushing Meadows.
"We're not the most COVID-safe country in general with how we are doing things. So it does seem like what's the harm of letting the best player in the world come play the US Open."
Fritz was in a good mood during the press conference, and since Djokovic would be the biggest favorite to win at the US Open, the American player also joked that his absence would increase the chances of other players.
"But at the same time, I don't know how I feel about making exceptions just for one person just because of who they are. So I see both sides of the argument. It's good for every player if Novak is not in the draw (smiles)."
However, his quotes were later misinterpreted on social media, which Fritz obviously didn't like. Some people made it seem like he celebrated Djokovic's misfortune, which certainly wasn't the case.
Fritz saw that and hit back at those misinterpreting his words, saying he only joked about the situation, which he saw as a compliment to the 21-time major winner, as everyone fears him.
"Nothing new just me getting ripped for making a joke about Novak being better than everyone. The issue with press transcripts is it’s just raw text and it’s not clear the manner in how things are said. What I jokingly said, felt like a compliment to Novak more than anything else."
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