“I’m Really Not Concerned”: Taylor Fritz Sends Messages to Haters Following 2021 Rogers Cup R1 Exit

The National Bank Open, formerly known as Roger’s Cup, is up and running. Fans are loving every bit of the action, as players from around the world get ready to grace the Canadian circuit. However, not all enjoyed their first day in Toronto; American star Taylor Fritz was knocked out in the first round of the tournament, in a rather worrisome fashion.

The American sensation is one of the popular faces on the men’s tour. However, his infamous loss against James Duckworth made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Despite the thrilling first set display, both the Australian giant and the Canadian heat got the better of 23-year-old Taylor. However, it wasn’t until after his loss that the ugly side of the sport was once again put on display.

“I’m really not concerned” – Taylor Fritz

Taylor may have lost the game, but he won hearts with his amazing grit and determination. Not just his opponent, but he also battled the heat and made it till the end of the game. However, his effort was not appreciated by some, who made rather displeasing comments in the player’s DM’s.

Unbothered by them, Taylor took to his Twitter to reveal their identity and make his stance clear. He said, “And to all the gamblers giving me the typical death threats for not pulling out, I’m really not concerned about your degenerate gambling addictions while I’m playing a match.” 

Despite starting strong, Taylor couldn’t get the better of his opponent, James. The Australian exhilarated fine form as he beat Taylor in a thrilling first set. As the scoreline read 7-6, fans believed they were in for an epic encounter. However, the second set came bearing more bad news than good.

Watch this story: How Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, and Others Travel

Beat the heat

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics saw one too many players fall victim to the heatwave. Similarly, in Canada, it was Taylor on the receiving end of the high-rise temperature. However, in a display of sheer grit and character, the American made sure he walked out of court on both his feet, regardless of the result.

Throughout the game, the 23-year-old went down on the floor on a number of occasions. Post the match, he took to his social media to give fans an update on his condition.

He said, “Hey guys…I’m okay  probably one of the weirdest things I’ve ever experienced… heart was going absolutely crazy for no reason, I only continued cause it was so odd I thought it maybe would go away and I really hate quitting even if it was probably the smart thing to do.” 

Courtesy of Bravehearts such as Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles, there has been an inevitable increase in the discussions of the mental health of players. However, it is a collective effort of both officials and fans to eradicate those who stand for everything hostil in the game. Taylor’s act of courage is sure to be upheld, but one shouldn’t mistake his positively spirited attitude as approval for such behavior.

Read more: Taylor Fritz Encounters Heart Beat Complications During Loss at National Bank Open 2021 R1