Taylor Fritz, ranked world number 10, achieved his 250th hardcourt win on Monday at the ATP and WTA Washington Open. The American defeated Zizou Bergs of Belgium, advancing to the second round of the tournament. Fritz, the third seed, completed his match in 79 minutes with a score of 6-3, 6-4.
Fritz’s performance included eight aces, and he successfully defended all four break points he faced. This victory sets up a second-round encounter against either his countryman Tommy Paul or Kamil Majchrzak of Poland. Fritz is currently seeking his 11th career ATP title, with his last win recorded at Eastbourne last year.
Fritz’s Dominant Performance
The match against Bergs marked only the second time these two players have met, with their previous encounter on grass courts at the Halle Open earlier this year, which Fritz won in three tight sets. In Washington, Fritz started the match with an ace, setting a strong tone for the contest on the hard courts.
In the opening set, Fritz secured a break against Bergs in the fourth game. Despite facing three break points and five deuces later in the set, he managed to hold serve and close out the set 6-3. Fritz noted that once he served out the first set and gained a break in the second, he felt the momentum was on his side. He expressed satisfaction at finishing the match without being broken.
The American continued his strong play in the second set, securing another early break. While his serve form saw a slight dip, he maintained his hold on the game. Bergs attempted to initiate a comeback, but Fritz consistently used well-placed serves to keep the Belgian out of position. Fritz won 80 percent of his first serves that landed, despite landing less than 50 percent of them overall, and also won 71 percent of his second serves.
Other Tournament Highlights
In other men’s matches, fourth seed Lorenzo Muzetti advanced after his fellow Italian Matteo Arnaldi retired while down 6-0, 3-1. Alejandro Tabilo of Chile also progressed, defeating Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands with a score of 7-6, 4-6, 6-4.
On the women’s side, defending champion and seventh seed Leylah Fernandez of Canada secured a win in her opening match. Fernandez defeated Magda Linette of Poland 6-1, 6-4 in 79 minutes. Fernandez, a 2021 US Open runner-up, commented that her game was solid and she avoided giving away too many free points. She will next face either Alexandra Eala of the Philippines or Zheng Qinwen of China.
US eighth seed Emma Navarro also advanced, beating compatriot Sofia Kenin 6-0, 7-5. Navarro is set to play against Elisabetta Cocciaretto of Italy in the second round, who won a tough match against Clara Tauson of Denmark 4-6, 7-6, 7-6.
In doubles action, Venus Williams, a 46-year-old former world number one and winner of seven Grand Slam singles titles, partnered with Diana Shnaider of Russia. They won their women’s doubles opener 6-3, 6-4 against the team of Ulrikke Eikeri of Norway and Quinn Gleason of the United States.
Australian top seed and defending champion Alex de Minaur, who claimed his 11th career ATP title in February by winning his third consecutive Rotterdam Open crown, was idle on Monday. He is scheduled to face Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece in the first round.
Meanwhile, Britain’s Jack Draper withdrew from the event due to a left arm injury, having also missed Wimbledon. American Mackenzie McDonald entered the field as a lucky loser to replace him.
Source: hindustantimes.com
Priya Nair
Sports Reporter
