A growing discussion about car parking difficulties at the Cincinnati Open has drawn responses from players, with Taylor Fritz stepping up to explain the real issue behind the chaos. The ongoing concern centers on cramped and inadequate parking spaces at the tournament hotel, which players say fail to accommodate their large vehicles, especially the oversized Escalades they frequently drive.
The parking controversy erupted in 2024 after American player Ben Shelton criticized poor parking on social media, highlighting car number 164’s crooked positioning and questioning the driver’s competence. The debate intensified this year as several players posted their own clips showing vehicles improperly parked in tight spots, sparking widespread commentary online.
Players Share Videos Highlighting Parking Difficulties
British player Cameron Norrie added fuel to the fire by sharing a video on Instagram featuring an oversized Escalade that was badly parked, expressing disbelief at how such a driver could get a license. German WTA player Eva Lys followed with her own clip criticizing a specific vehicle, car number 35, calling for better parking skills.
“I know some people have been posting parking skills of tennis players and i’m just gonna keep going because what the hell is this guys. Car #35, get your shit together.” — Eva Lys, German WTA Pro
Taylor Fritz Attributes Parking Challenges to Tight Spaces Rather Than Poor Driving
Amid the social media storm, Taylor Fritz defended his fellow competitors by attributing the parking troubles to the mismatch between the large vehicles and the size of hotel parking spots. He emphasized that the cramped parking conditions make it difficult for anyone to park neatly.
“To be fair we all have MASSIVE Escalades and the hotel parking spots are insanely small…. I spend 10 min last night trying to get into a spot,”
— Taylor Fritz, American tennis player
Fritz’s remarks sparked speculation among fans who assumed he was defending himself against criticism aimed at car number 35. However, Fritz denied owning that particular vehicle, though he admitted his own parking was not flawless.
“Wasn’t me, but my park wasn’t pretty either,”
— Taylor Fritz, tennis player
Parking Debate Subdued as Players Focus on Competition
With the parking controversy cooling down, Fritz and other players are turning their attention back to the tournament. Fritz, who recently lost to Ben Shelton in the semifinals of the National Bank Open, is set to begin his play at Cincinnati with a first-round match against Emilio Nava on August 9.
This episode sheds light on the challenges players face off the court during major tournaments and highlights how logistical arrangements, such as parking infrastructure, can impact their overall experience. Moving forward, tournament organizers may need to reconsider parking accommodations to better suit the large vehicles driven by players, potentially easing tensions in future events.