Nick Kyrgios makes feelings clear on Wimbledon star savaging opponent at the net

Tennis star Nick Kyrgios has analysed the beef between Taylor Fritz and Arthur Rinderknech - and he's all for it. In fact, the Australian firebrand has called for more feuds in the sport as it drives interest among fans.

No stranger to a tense exchange or two himself, Kyrgios was delighted to see Fritz and Rinderknech revive their bickering from the French Open. It was at Roland Garros last year that the pair began their back-and-forth after Fritz took aim at the Paris crowd for being disrespectful, as he saw it.

The American didn't appreciate the level of noise and jeering aimed in his direction en route to his second-round win over Rinderknech. And the rivalry was reignited when the French favourite aimed a jibe at Fritz prior to this week's second-round match at Wimbledon.

Speaking ahead of their showdown, 28-year-old Rinderknech said: "The atmosphere will be quieter (than at Roland-Garros) and he won't cry as much. He whined a bit saying it was too noisy. I hold no grudge against him, but he was wrong if he thought the French crowd would send him kisses in between points."

Fritz, 26, clearly caught wind of those comments and rubbed salt in the wound following his 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 win over Rinderknech on Thursday. As the players shook hands at the net immediately after the result, Fritz could be seen telling his opponent to "have a nice flight home".

And Kyrgios grabbed the popcorn in response to the barbs as he took in the entertainment. The 2022 Wimbledon finalist responded to a post covering the clash with hilarity and wrote: "This is what the sport needs... @Taylor_Fritz97 cheeky..."

While world No.76 Rinderknech makes his return to France, Fritz will feature in the third round at SW19 for the third time in four editions. He'll face Chile's Alejandro Tabilo targeting a spot in last 16, while Rinderknech is yet to make it beyond the second round of Wimbledon in four attempts.

Kyrgios, 29, has in the past called for tennis to introduce some additional spice in the hopes of luring new fans. And a good old fashioned rivalry is certainly one way to drive interest.

Fritz's latest win saw him maintain his 100% winning record over Rinderknech, with the duo's only two meetings to date each taking place under Grand Slam conditions. That being said, the stage is set for the two to put on one of the ATP's most bitter squabble's for some years to come.

California native Fritz will have to have a particularly high guard if the pair ever clash in front of a French crowd again in future. And Kyrgios – who is still on a break from tennis following injury – will be among those queuing up to bear witness.