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Taylor Fritz was a player to beat at the United Cup in January, finding his form at the season's first event. World no. 9 faced Alexander Zverev at Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney, scoring a dominant 6-1, 6-4 triumph in 64 minutes.
It was their seventh duel and the third win for the American, who had the upper hand from start to finish. Zverev played well below his best, especially in the opening set. He recovered his game a bit in the second set, but it was not enough to prolong the battle.
Taylor lost eight points in his games, defending the only break point and keeping the pressure on the other side. Alexander felt the pressure and cracked under it, serving at 80% but dropping 43% of the points in his games.
Fritz earned six break chances and seized three to control the pace and sail over the top. Taylor landed 22 winners and 14 unforced errors, keeping the points on his racquet and leaving Alexander behind. The American made a perfect start, finding his A-game and completing it in 21 minutes for a boost!
Taylor Fritz lost five games against Alexander Zverev at the United Cup.
Taylor held at 15 in the encounter's first game with a service winner and pushed strong on the return in the next one. Fritz grabbed a break after Zverev's double fault, moving in front and gaining confidence.
Taylor closed the third game with an ace and opened a 4-0 gap after only 12 minutes following Alexander's other double fault in game four. The American moved 40-0 up in the fifth game with a drop shot winner, holding at love with a booming serve.
The German served to avoid a bagel in the sixth game, clinching it with a service winner and getting his name on the scoreboard. Fritz served for the set at 5-1 and fired an ace to wrap it up in no time, standing as the only player on the court.
Zverev saved a break point in the second set's first game and held after deuces for 1-0. However, he struggled behind the initial shot again at 1-1, spraying a forehand error and falling 2-1 behind. Taylor cemented the lead with a service winner in game four, holding at love and moving closer to the finish line.
The American played a loose backhand in the sixth game, offering his rival the only break chance. Fritz saved it with a forehand down the line winner and held for 4-2. Zverev held at love a few minutes later, staying within one break deficit and hoping for some return chances.
Instead, Taylor grabbed the eighth game at 15 after forcing the rival's mistake, opening a 5-3 gap and keeping the pressure on the other side. Zverev served to stay in the match in game nine and faced a match point. He denied it with a backhand down the line winner and brought the game home with a drop shot winner.
Taylor served for the victory at 5-4 and cracked three winners to advance in style, celebrating his second victory of the season.