While most tennis fans were focused on the Australian Open this week, American star Taylor Fritz opened up about a frightening ordeal that happened last year in London.
The 25-year-old had a shocking encounter with intruders while on holiday with his girlfriend, influencer Morgan Riddle, and it was his quick thinking—and his tennis racquet—that helped keep them safe.
A Scary 4 a.m. Wake-Up Call
Fritz and Riddle were staying in a London Airbnb in October 2024 when the incident unfolded.
Riddle shared the experience on social media, posting a photo of their apartment entrance and writing, “At 4am this morning Taylor and I wake up to someone trying to enter the code and break into the front door of the Airbnb we’re staying at in London.”
The intruders were reportedly trying to use the access code to get inside.
Fritz described the break-in as “organised,” suggesting that someone on the Airbnb’s cleaning team may have inadvertently shared the code.
Racquet at the Ready
After winning his first-round match at the Australian Open, Fritz recounted how he prepared to defend himself and Riddle.
Sitting by the door, he gripped his tennis racquet, ready to strike if necessary.
“I mean, realistically, some people might laugh at that, but hitting someone with a racquet can do serious damage,” he said.
The intruders were reportedly armed with a hockey stick, but Fritz, known for his 236 km/h serve, said he felt confident he could handle the situation.
“I feel confident swinging a tennis racquet,” he added with a mix of humor and seriousness.
A Pattern of Airbnb Anxiety
Riddle has previously spoken out about safety concerns with Airbnb.
She recalled waking up to a man standing over her in 2017 and encountering a robbery at a property she stayed in during the summer of 2024.
“Airbnb is so unsafe. They are intentionally targeted in many cities.
Houses are nice for longer stays, but please just stay in a hotel, especially if you are travelling alone or only with girls,” she advised.
Love in the Spotlight
Fritz and Riddle, who met on the exclusive dating app Raya in 2020, have managed to navigate the pressures of a high-profile relationship while dealing with these unnerving experiences.
Tennis Focus: Australian Open Second Round
Despite the terrifying break-in last year, Fritz stayed focused on his tennis.
The ninth seed at the Australian Open is set to face Czech player Vit Kopriva in the second round.
Although Fritz is among the tournament favorites, oddsmakers currently rate him, alongside Australia’s Alex de Minaur, as a $101 chance to win the title.
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