Taylor Fritz’s girlfriend, Morgan Riddle, got more than she bargained for when she attended the October 24 NFL game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Rams, a game that saw the Rams clinch victory with a 30-20 scoreline. The match’s excitement was only part of the story for Riddle, as she found herself face-to-face with social media sensation and U.S. rugby star Ilona Maher, creating a hilarious moment that quickly went viral.
To give a little context, Ilona Maher is not just any sports personality. The 28-year-old rugby union player shot to fame after representing the U.S. and helping secure a bronze medal in the Paris Olympics. Maher’s humor and authentic social media presence have earned her a massive following—catapulting from 580,000 followers on Instagram in June to over two million by August, marking a 257% increase according to *Forbes*. Now with 4.1 million followers, Maher has firmly established herself as social media’s new “It Girl,” capturing fans not just through her athletic prowess but also her candid, relatable personality.
Riddle, a social media personality in her own right with 406,000 followers, is known for her fashionable posts and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her life with Fritz on the ATP tour. But this time, Riddle’s adventures had nothing to do with tennis. Ahead of the NFL showdown, she joined Maher on the field and attempted a classic rugby move on the celebrated player. The result? A comical fail that left her—and Maher—bursting into laughter. Riddle, with her trademark humor, documented the attempt on her Instagram Story, captioning it, “Will not be a star rugby player any time soon, I fear.” She also shared a photo of herself enjoying the game with a hamburger in hand, writing, “Life is worth living,” encapsulating her sense of humor and easy-going attitude.
This NFL moment was only one of the recent highlights in Riddle’s eventful life, especially as she shared her humorous take on boyfriend Taylor Fritz’s latest style experiment. The 25-year-old American tennis star was recently seen with a bold, unexpected blonde hairstyle at a Los Angeles music event, where he joined Norwegian artist Kygo on stage. The look was a drastic change, and fans were quick to comment on social media. Riddle also posted a photo of Fritz’s new appearance on her Instagram, captioning it “Home,” showing her lighthearted support. However, in her following Story, she playfully clarified that she hadn’t influenced Fritz’s makeover, writing, “I didn’t think you actually would. I thought you were just getting a haircut. Would just like everyone to know I was also blindsided by this.” Riddle’s reaction added to the humor, underscoring her dynamic and playful relationship with Fritz, which has garnered attention on social media.
Fritz, on the other hand, has more than just style changes to focus on as he heads into the final stretch of the season. Currently pushing to secure a spot in the ATP Tour Finals in Turin, he knows that the upcoming ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Paris will be crucial. Fritz has shown impressive form lately, positioning himself as a serious contender for the ATP Finals. His performance in Paris will be critical, as a strong run could cement his place among the elite players competing for the year-end championship in Italy. Known for his powerful serve and relentless drive, Fritz is considered one of the tournament’s dark horses, and many believe he could surprise higher-ranked players if he maintains his current momentum.
But while Fritz focuses on tennis, he hasn’t shied away from voicing his opinions on the recent rule change allowing coaching during matches. Traditionally, tennis has been regarded as a solo sport where players must problem-solve on their own mid-match. Fritz has been openly critical of this new rule, arguing that tennis’s mental challenge is a fundamental part of the game and that on-court coaching diminishes its individuality. “I haven’t talked to Mike [Russell, Fritz’s coach], and he hasn’t talked to me one time since the coaching has become a thing,” Fritz explained in an interview. “It’s a dumb rule. Tennis is an individual sport. Why are we making it not an individual sport? A huge part of tennis is, in my mind, as much mental as it is physical, and a big part of it is you need to be figuring it out on the court for yourself.”
Fritz’s traditionalist view has sparked conversations among fans and players alike, with some agreeing that the mental isolation in tennis is an essential component, while others welcome the opportunity for mid-match adjustments through coaching. As he prepares for Paris, Fritz remains steadfast in his approach, relying solely on his abilities and instincts to navigate the challenges on court.
Meanwhile, Riddle continues to be a supportive and humorous presence in Fritz’s life, whether she’s attempting rugby moves with Ilona Maher or reacting to Fritz’s surprising style choices. The couple’s lighthearted social media exchanges have endeared them to fans, who enjoy their down-to-earth dynamic and genuine connection. As Fritz chases his dream of securing a spot at the ATP Finals, Riddle has been by his side, providing moments of levity amidst the high-stakes world of professional tennis.
With the Paris Masters just around the corner, Fritz’s focus is now on performing at his peak. His determination to qualify for Turin is palpable, and a successful showing in Paris would undoubtedly boost his chances. As the American star and his girlfriend make headlines for their sporting achievements and relatable moments off the court, they continue to capture the public’s imagination with their blend of professionalism and personality. Whether it’s competing on the tennis court, adapting to new rules, or sharing laughs with loved ones, Fritz and Riddle seem to be handling the spotlight with ease, proving that a sense of humor goes a long way in the world of sports.