Wimbledon QF preview and prediction: Fritz vs. Musetti

Taylor Fritz will look to make his first ever major semifinal as he takes on Italian Lorenzo Musetti in Wednesday’s second quarterfinal at Wimbledon.

American Taylor Fritz has positioned himself as the top American male prospect in the past couple years. He has won a Masters event (Indian Wells) and seven other smaller events. What he has not done is break through on the biggest stage. With the world No. 12 having never managed to make it past the quarterfinals at a Grand Slam, Wednesday represents what is perhaps his best opportunity so far.

Fritz came to London with perfect preparation. He made the quarters at Queen’s Club and won the event in Eastbourne, so he proved that he is playing well on grass. But perhaps his most impressive feat this grass-court season was his come-from-behind five-set victory over No. 4 seed Alexander Zverev in the round of 16.

Musetti is also playing great grass-court tennis at the moment. The Italian world No. 25 made the semis in Stuttgart then rounded out his own Wimbledon preparation with a run to the final at Queen’s Club, where he lost to Tommy Paul. Musetti already has a win over Fritz this year, but it came on the slow clay courts of Monte-Carlo.

Fritz won the pair’s only other meeting on grass, a first-round encounter at Wimbledon in 2022. The American won that match in straight sets, but it must be said that Musetti is playing much better tennis right now than he was two years ago. Look for another blockbuster at the All-England Club, with Fritz just edging it out.

Cheryl pick: Fritz in 5

Ricky pick: Fritz in 3