In the midst of a scorching summer at the 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington, D.C., American tennis star Taylor Fritz found himself in the spotlight—not just for his on-court prowess but for a hilarious off-court blunder that set social media ablaze. During a lighthearted exchange following his first-round victory over Aleksandar Vukic on July 23, 2025, Fritz’s attempt at basic math went spectacularly awry, leading to a viral moment that showcased his self-deprecating humor. “It’s really, really bad,” Fritz laughed, addressing the incident in an interview with a social media influencer, where he cleared the air about his now-infamous miscalculation that had fans and fellow players in stitches.
The saga began when Fritz, ranked world No. 4, celebrated his 6-3, 6-2 win over Vukic at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center with an Instagram post captioned, “Capital gainzzz @mubadalacitidcopen.” The post, highlighting his 11 aces and flawless break-point defense, caught the eye of compatriot Ben Shelton, who playfully commented, “What’s 50×20?” Fritz, fresh from the match and not in the mood for mental arithmetic, fired back, “shutup I only deal in 100’s,” setting the stage for the comedy to come. The jest escalated when a TikTok clip surfaced, showing Fritz in a candid moment with an influencer at the tournament. Asked, “How much is 50 twenty-dollar bills?” Fritz, admitting he’d been “drinking a bit,” paused before blurting out, “$10,000.” Realizing his error, he burst into laughter, exclaiming, “I’m an idiot,” as the correct answer—$1,000—dawned on him.
The clip exploded online, racking up millions of views and turning Fritz’s math mishap into a viral sensation. Fans flooded social media with memes, while players like Frances Tiafoe and Tommy Paul joined the ribbing, with Paul joking, “Bro, you need a calculator on tour!” Fritz, known for his laid-back Californian vibe, took it in stride, using the influencer interview to address the frenzy. “It’s really, really bad, I know, but I was just messing around after a long day,” he said, his grin disarming critics. The moment highlighted Fritz’s ability to laugh at himself, a trait that’s endeared him to fans since his breakout 2022 Indian Wells Masters win over Rafael Nadal. “I think people love seeing us as human, not just robots on the court,” he added, reflecting on the viral clip’s appeal.
The DC Open, an ATP 500 event, was a crucial stop for Fritz as he built momentum for the US Open. His straight-sets victory over Vukic showcased his serving prowess and growing confidence on hard courts, where he’s notched 10 ATP singles titles. Yet, the math blunder stole the headlines, amplified by his girlfriend, Morgan Riddle, a social media influencer with over 1 million followers across Instagram and TikTok. Riddle, who’s been by Fritz’s side since 2020, shared the clip on her stories, captioning it, “My guy’s out here making math cool again,” playfully echoing her mission to modernize tennis’ image. Her presence courtside, documented in Netflix’s *Break Point*, has made the couple a tennis power duo, with Fritz crediting her for his discipline. “She keeps me grounded, even when I’m out here bombing math questions,” he quipped.
The incident wasn’t Fritz’s first brush with social media chaos. Earlier in 2025, he faced backlash for a sarcastic comment about João Fonseca after a hard-fought Eastbourne win, prompting him to defend his humor: “It’s crazy how people have zero sense of humor and take everything so seriously.” This time, however, the DC Open gaffe was universally embraced, with fans appreciating his candor. “Taylor’s just a real dude, owning it like that is why we root for him,” one fan posted on X. The moment also underscored the camaraderie among American players, with Shelton’s initial jab sparking the chain of events. Their playful dynamic, seen in joint Olympic appearances, contrasts with the sport’s intensity, offering a refreshing glimpse into their off-court bonds.
As Fritz advanced to face Jordan Thompson in the DC Open’s second round, the viral moment added levity to his campaign. With a 2025 record of 35-10 and a Wimbledon semifinal appearance behind him, Fritz is chasing his first Grand Slam. The math mishap, far from a setback, humanized a player often seen as robotic on court. “I’m just happy I can give people a laugh,” Fritz said, shrugging off the embarrassment. As he prepares for Flushing Meadows, where he reached the 2024 final, Fritz’s ability to turn a blunder into a bonding moment proves he’s not just a tennis star but a relatable figure in a sport craving personality.
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