Morgan Riddle, the 27-year-old influencer and girlfriend of tennis star Taylor Fritz, has taken the tennis community by storm, challenging traditional perceptions of partners within the sport. During her recent appearance on "The Squeeze" podcast hosted by Tay Lautner, she boldly addressed the criticism she has faced for being unreservedly public about her life, stating emphatically, "f–k you" to those who believe she should adopt a more subdued approach.
Since beginning her relationship with Fritz, currently ranked number four globally, Riddle has gained significant traction on social media. With over 585,000 followers on TikTok and 432,000 on Instagram, she has documented their life together on tour, showcasing everything from their travels to personal moments, including mishaps along the way. "I think historically, a lot of the older wives and partners on the [tennis] tour have been very private, heads down, in the box," Riddle explained on the podcast. "They’re there to cheer on their partner, and they didn’t have super public personas."
Despite the long-standing tradition of tennis partners remaining largely invisible, Riddle is determined to chart her own course, drawing attention not only to herself but to the shifting dynamics within the sport. She revealed, "I don’t know if this is true, but I’ve been told by people on the tennis tourthat when I was first posting TikTok [videos] a couple years ago, there was a clique of older wives on the tour who would send my videos in their group chat and just make fun of me."
This backlash came as no surprise considering the stark difference between her persona and the more reserved nature typically exhibited by other tennis wives and partners. Riddle candidly admitted, "I guess people expected me to sit in the box, be relatively private and not capitalize on my partner’s career. And I kinda came in guns blazing. I was like, ‘well, f–k you,’ and posted whatever I wanted to." The sheer audacity of her actions has frustrated some but also garnered her significant attention, making her one of the most recognized personalities off the court.
Riddle has not only embraced her identity as a public figure but actively engages with her followers and opponents alike. "I think people think I’m annoying sometimes. I definitely have a certain person on TikTok where I kind of feed it and say things controversial enough where it will piss people off but not get me canceled," she noted, showcasing her ability to navigate the fine line of social media engagement.
Interestingly, her relationship with Fritz has only strengthened amid the scrutiny. Riddle emphasized his unwavering support, stating, "Taylor has always been really good [about public criticism]. He went pro when he was 17, so he has dealt with it for so much, much longer than I had... People write crazy things about us and our relationship, but both of us are united, like, ok—we really love each other, and we have a very healthy relationship. Nothing anyone says online is going to have any sort of effect on it."
The couple, who began dating after Riddle “swiped” on him through the dating app Raya during the pandemic, collaborates regularly on social media projects, including campaigns for major brands like Heineken during the US Open and luxury fashion brand Boss. Riddle relishes the opportunity to make tennis more accessible and relatable through her lens, aiming to "make tennis cool again." The unexpected nature of her public-facing role has led to both admiration and disdain from within the tennis community.
Against the backdrop of the Indian Wells tournament, where Fritz is set to compete against Jack Draper, Riddle's responses exemplify the clashing cultural dynamics present not only within the sport but also broadly within social contexts. Her rise signals not just personal victory but also the potential for change for many who aspire to blend personal brand ambitions with personal relationships.
Riddle's defiance reverberates beyond the tennis courts and resonates strongly with many who share similar experiences. She and Fritz have created what might be described as the modern tennis power couple, one who champions authenticity and openness, defying archaic codes of conduct and reimagining the role of partners on this high-profile stage. The conversations ignited by Riddle’s presence within the tennis circuit challenge norms and invite reflection on the future of visibility and privacy for those who stand beside elite athletes.