Taylor Fritz Opponent Quits in Meltdown as Americans Progress
Locker Room
January 4, 2025
Taylor Fritz looked suitably astonished after his Czech opponent simply gave up during their crucial United Cup tie.
Tomas Machac was unable to control his temper after suffering the crushing disappointment of having apparent victory snatched from him.
Fritz admitted it wasn’t the way he wanted to win. But he could hardly feel guilty about his gutsy comeback.
This is the nature of big-time tennis. You have to forgive yourself for mistakes and keep fighting. Machac didn’t.
Taylor revealed: ‘He told me he had been cramping for a couple of games already – but I didn’t notice. He had been moving pretty well.’
The real reason for Machac’s sudden departure seemed to be that he couldn’t handle the emotional impact of squandering match points as he led the top American 7-6 (7-4), 5-2.
Coco Gauff had already won her contest with a brilliant 6-1, 6-4 display against Karolina Muchova. So the next showdown between the countries was either going to be a decider or the chance to draw level.
In the end, everything was determined by Machac’s psychological state. The best players in tennis are also the strongest mentally. Events Down Under were a reminder of this sporting reality.
Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff have big dreams for the coming year – and both must be contenders for singles glory at Wimbledon 2025.
But Fritz definitely looked out of sorts for a while as he fell to the sharp angles of the Czech underdog.
When the giant-killing looked inevitable, however, Taylor dug deep and pulled out a couple of monster serves to save the day.
As he sensed the tide turning, the favourite drew careless mistakes from the floundering Machac.
That’s when the temperamental star lost his head and started complaining loudly to the rest of the Czech team. But no one could have foreseen what was about to happen.
With the match in the balance and Fritz leading 6-5 in the second, Machac simply walked round the net and shook hands. The lame excuse of cramp didn’t seem to hold much water.
Now the USA team face Poland in what should be an exciting final. But whatever happens, nothing as extraordinary as the scenes at the end of this semi-final can compare.
Tennis continues to be dramatic, unpredictable and hugely entertaining. But there’s one thing you can be sure of – your Wimbledon 2025 ticket with us. A memorable time at the All England Club is guaranteed.
Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff will command the world’s attention on the historic Centre Court at Wimbledon 2025.
Will you be there? Give our friendly staff a call to set it all up!