Taylor Fritz Leads Early American Charge at US Open
US Open
August 31, 2023
Taylor Fritz is a man who knows he has a Grand Slam triumph in him somewhere.
The only question is when and where.
It could have been Wimbledon a year ago, when he reached the quarter-finals. It could be this year’s US Open too.
Taylor Fritz will surely feel he has a good chance of glory at Wimbledon 2024. Time is on his side.
It’s easy to forget that Fritz is still only 25 years old. And he is already used to being a top ten player, just like Frances Tiafoe, who breezed through his own early challenge against Sebastian Ofner overnight.
There’s plenty to be said for getting the job done ruthlessly in the early rounds of a Grand Slam, so that you have plenty left to bring to the party in the second week.
Fritz was more than satisfied with his 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Juan Pablo Varillas.
And there were also wins for Tommy Paul and Ben Shelton, who watched opponent Dominic Thiem pull out after only one full set, due to illness.
He said: ‘We’ve all been hearing who is going to be the next big American after Andy Roddick our entire careers. We all want it so bad – so hopefully it will be one of us soon.’
Naturally, Fritz wants it to be him. And he is going about this US Open campaign the right way so far.
He explained: ‘It’s great to have these matches as confidence-builders. I haven’t had the easiest time getting through early rounds this year, so it’s great to come on here and take care of business like I did the last two matches.
‘At Slams it’s more matches and the stakes are a lot higher. But you get through these and you know the level you’re going to show up to play every day.’
Fritz knows he will have to hit incredible levels to overcome the likes of Novak Djokovic – who also won with ease yesterday – and Carlos Alcaraz.
But rivals fall by the wayside every day. And Stefanos Tsitsipas is the latest to suffer an early exit, at the hands of young Swiss Dominic Stricker.
Next up for Fritz is a very winnable match against Czech underdog Jakub Mensik. And Taylor has to believe in the dream of Grand Slam glory – either in New York or London.
Taylor Fritz can surely lead the American charge next summer at Wimbledon 2024.
Will you be there to support him? We have the perfect seats on the historic Centre Court, spiritual home of tennis. And our friendly staff are waiting for your call.