Taylor Fritz continued his meteoric rise with a 6-4, 5-7, 7-6(5) win over Benjamin Becker in the Memphis Open quarterfinals on Friday evening. The 18-year-old American broke back twice in the final set–including at 5-6–before prevailing after two hours and 20 minutes.
“I feel like I can compete at this level,” Fritz said.
You think?
He is already up to No. 145 in the world and is projected to soar to 113th even if he loses in the semis to Ricardas Berankis on Saturdat. Fritz’s season includes a Challenger title (d. Dudi Sela in the final), successful qualification at the Australian Open (beat Michael Berrer and Mischa Zverev), and a five-set loss to Jack Sock. In addition to his victory over Becker, Fritz has also ousted Michael Mmoh and Steve Johnson so far in Memphis. He is the youngest American to reach an ATP semifinal since a 17-year-old Michael Chang in 1989.
“It feels incredible,” Fritz assured. “You know, it’s a great milestone. I always say this is reassuring to know that I’m doing the right thing and I’m on the right track. But (I) got to just keep doing my own thing and not let all the milestones get in your head or anything like that.
“I can’t believe it; just an amazing feeling, especially after the match I just had coming back… [Becker] was serving for the match and to come back and win it in that way and tough it out, I’ll never forget that.”
At the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament, meanwhile, Alexander Zverev saw his run come to an end against Gael Monfils. Zverev was looking for back-to-back semifinals, having previously reached that stage last week in Montpellier. The 18-year-old German’s tank was further depleted by a grueling three-setter against Gilles Simon on Thursday. Monfils took advantage to score a 7-6(4), 6-3 victory.
Monfils wins bizarre point:
Monfils interview:
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VAMOS FRITZ!! Do you know where I can find the video of him winning??
nowhere. I looked for it.
Dangit.
I have it taped. It’s good…but not good enough to make it worth posting.
Pleasssseee lol
#Merica
Fritz in three and Monfils in two
Really impressed that Fritz pulled it out last night….impressive youngster. Kohl-Monfils just should be a fun match to watch!
I think Berankis takes this match in 3 sets. He’s been in spectacular form all tournament and similar to Alex Zverev, Fritz has played a tad too many sets of tennis with multiple tie breaks. Something has to give and I think eventually the youngster’s conditioning will come into play. Nevertheless, Wouldn’t be shocked if he mustered a win here with the home crowd support.
Berankis in 3 with at least one tiebreaker
yep. had Ricky in the final before tournament started. No reason to change now.
You’ve watched Berankis’ matches this week?
Sadly I’ve only watched the Berankis Young match in full but he looked pretty solid
cool
I need to check that one out. Assumed Ricky would win but thought it’d be more competitive.
Very impressive for the kid. Didn’t expect that especially after that first set but it looked like Berankis made one too many critical unforced errors and double faults on break points.
The horrid volley miss to give Fritz 5-3 in the second was big. So glad they showed that match on TC. Out at dinner now but I hope I can get back home for the Nishikori-Querrey match even though it may be an easy win for Kei.
Beatdown city
I love that Fritz won, it was a great match!
However, I hope the American media in their desperation to find a new #1, don’t hype him up to the point he can’t live up to the expectations!
He’s having a wonderful tournament, just let him play!