Taylor Fritz's $3,600 Dinner Bill Lands on Rookie Ethan Quinn at Australian Open
US tennis star Taylor Fritz, who has reportedly earned $43 million throughout his career and dates top influencer Morgan Riddle, recently passed a hefty $3,600 dinner bill to rookie compatriot Ethan Quinn at a high-end Melbourne restaurant. The incident occurred ahead of the Australian Open, showcasing a long-standing tradition among American players known as 'rainbow roulette'.
The Costly Tradition of Rainbow Roulette
Fritz, aged 28, organised a dinner gathering at Nobu, the exclusive Japanese restaurant located at Crown in Melbourne. The event followed the traditional 'rainbow roulette' practice, where US players place their credit cards on the table before entrees are served. The unlucky participant who loses the game ends up footing the entire bill for everyone present.
This year, that unfortunate honour fell upon rising star Ethan Quinn, who left the luxurious dining establishment $3,600 lighter. Other prominent US tennis stars in attendance included world number seven Ben Shelton, Tommy Paul, and Reilly Opelka, making for an expensive evening for the young newcomer.
Quinn's Remarkable Australian Open Performance
Thankfully for Quinn, the 21-year-old has been experiencing career-best form at the 'Happy Slam', successfully reaching the third round in his main draw debut at Melbourne Park. He first stunned world number 26 Tallon Griekspoor before delivering an impressive upset against the highly fancied Hubert Hurkacz on Thursday.
'I think each Slam you get to experience something different,' Quinn reflected after his victory against Hurkacz. 'You know, (it is my) first time making third round here and first time winning a Slam match here. I'm still trying to make sure that awe moment doesn't leave (my mind) so I can make a deep run.'
Financial Silver Linings for the Young Star
Quinn will depart Australia with guaranteed prize money of $327,000, which could potentially increase to $480,000 if he triumphs over Jakub Menšík in their third round showdown scheduled for Saturday. Suddenly, that expensive dinner at Nobu appears considerably more manageable for the elated young player, who currently holds a world ranking of 80.
Fritz expressed sympathy for Quinn's costly dinner experience, revealing to tennis.com: 'I felt really bad that he (Quinn) lost with everyone at that table. I took two Ls (losses) very early on in my career too, back-to-back years. It all comes around. I told Ethan, 'keep coming back every year, you'll get some free dinners too'.'
Quinn's Rapid Rise in Professional Tennis
Ethan Quinn turned professional in 2023 after initially representing the University of Georgia, where he achieved the notable accomplishment of winning the NCAA Singles Championship. His performances in Melbourne have proven particularly impressive given this marks his main draw debut at a Grand Slam tournament, announcing him as a genuine player to watch on the international circuit.
The young American now faces Czech opponent Jakub Menšík for a coveted spot in the fourth round, where significant prize money and enhanced reputation await the victor. Meanwhile, the 'rainbow roulette' tradition continues to provide both camaraderie and financial surprises for US tennis stars competing abroad.
