As the tennis world gears up for the Japan Open 2024, American tennis star Taylor Fritz is making headlines not just for his impressive backhand but for his linguistic endeavors as well. Fritz, currently ranked No. 7 globally, is learning Japanese through the popular language-learning app Duolingo. This endeavor was humorously shared by his girlfriend, Morgan Riddle, on social media as she prepares to support him in Tokyo.
Love, Language, and the Lure of Tokyo
Morgan Riddle, a well-known social media influencer and a staple in the tennis circuit, has been instrumental in bringing the behind-the-scenes of the tennis tours to the public eye. With a robust following of over 400,000 on Instagram, her updates are eagerly awaited by tennis fans worldwide. Recently, Riddle posted an entertaining snippet from their personal chats where Fritz claimed he would soon be speaking “insane Japanese,” hinting at his dedication not only to his sport but also to embracing the cultures where he competes.
“I’m about to speak insane Japanese,” Fritz humorously said, highlighting his latest endeavor on Duolingo.
Riddle’s journey with Fritz is a blend of personal and professional devotion; she left her job to travel with him full-time, documenting their travels and his tournaments. This unique insight adds a personal touch to Fritz’s professional life, endearing him further to his fans.
Tokyo Streets and Tournament Preps
Upon arriving in Tokyo, Riddle didn’t miss the opportunity to capture the vibrant life of the city. Her posts set the scene for what is expected to be a thrilling chapter in Fritz’s career. As the top seed of the Japan Open, Fritz’s preparations are on full display, from practicing on the courts to acclimatizing to the bustling city life of Tokyo.
On-Court Battles Await
The highlight of Fritz’s upcoming challenges is his first-round match against Arthur Fils of France. Fils, a rising star in his own right, clinched a title in Hamburg earlier this year and is looking to make a mark in Tokyo. This match-up promises to be a compelling watch, given both players’ recent form and Fritz’s ambition to reclaim glory at a tournament he has previously won.
A Season to Remember
Fritz’s 2024 season has been nothing short of spectacular. With two titles under his belt and consistent performances leading him to the second week of all four Majors, he is a force to be reckoned with. His historic run at the US Open, where he reached the finals, has already made him the first American man to do so in the last 15 years, drawing comparisons with tennis great Andre Agassi.
“He’s the first American since Andre Agassi to make the second week of all four Majors in one season,” commentators have pointed out, a testament to his consistency and growth.
Despite a tough loss to Jannik Sinner at the US Open, Fritz’s resilience and determination are evident as he heads into the Japan Open, ready to battle and possibly secure his first title in Tokyo since his last triumph.
Wrapping Up
As the Japan Open 2024 unfolds, all eyes will be on Taylor Fritz as he navigates through the challenges on and off the court. With Morgan Riddle by his side, capturing every moment with her lens, and Fritz embracing the local language and culture, this tournament is set to be not just a sports event but a celebration of resilience, love, and the global appeal of tennis.
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