American tennis star Taylor Fritz has proclaimed that he is currently in the best shape of his career ahead of his return to professional tennis next week.
The world No.24 has set his sights on becoming the highest ranked player in his country as well as what he hopes will be a breakthrough run in the upcoming US Open. Fritz started the 2020 season by winning nine out of 16 matches played prior to the Tour break due to COVID-19. In Acapulco he recorded his best run of 2020 so far by reaching the final before falling in straight sets to Rafael Nadal.
During the pandemic-related break, Fritz has kept himself in shape by taking part in an exhibition event, as well as the World TeamTennis Cup. Although these matches are somewhat different to what he will encounter on the ATP Tour, the 25-year-old remains full of confidence heading into the New York bubble. For the first time the Western and Southern Open will take place in the same venue as the US Open.
“It’s tough to set expectations right now, but my expectations are so high. If I don’t do really well at both tournaments, I’ll be disappointed,” Fritz told The Olympic Channel.
“I’m fully expecting to go in and go deep in both. Losing early just doesn’t seem like an option for me, even though I know it is because you have bad days, you know… things happen. But that would be really disappointing. My expectations are very high.”
A former US Open boy’s champion, Fritz is currently at a ranking best of 24th in the world. His resume so far consists of five appearances in ATP Finals with his only title triumph occurring on the grass at Eastbourne last year. Although in the Grand Slams he is yet to progress beyond the third round in 15 appearances.
Nevertheless, Fritz is confident that his hard work done in recent weeks will pay off for him. Saying that he has been ‘absolutely killing himself’ with his training schedule. He is currently coached on the Tour by David Nainkin and Paul Annacone. Annacone is best known for his work with former world No.1 Pete Sampras.
“I’ve really stepped it up with this being the first time ever that we’ve had more than a month of not playing tournaments. I really feel like I’ve made big strides in my fitness on my game in the last two months,” said Fritz.
“I’ve been having three-hour practices and then some days go and do tennis again or go and do gym (a second time). It just depends if it’s like a double gym day or a double tennis day. I’ve just been absolutely killing myself these last couple weeks.”
Closing in on his top 20 debut, the fast-serving American is not setting a limit on how high he believes he can rise. It seems like the surge in confidence from Fritz is also echoed by Annacone.
“I know I’m in by far the best shape my life. Paul last week said that it was the best week of practice we’ve ever had. I can just see the difference in my body and tennis.”
This year’s US Open will be unlike any other due to the pandemic. There will be no fans, players will be subjected to regular COVID-19 testing and restricted as to where they can go to in the city. Some players have voiced concern that the conditions could have a negative impact on them. However, Fritz believes the element of seclusion could be an advantage for him.
“The good news about the bubble is it suits people like me who love to just stay in the (hotel) room and just watch shows and do nothing. I actually think it’s going to give me a bit of an advantage,” he commented.
“I think staying in the room and ordering in every night and relaxing… I don’t mind it. It will be more boring, but it’s actually not going to be too different to what I normally do at a tournament anyway.”
Fritz will start his campaign at the Western and Southern Open against a qualifier. If he wants a deep run, he could have to play Christian Garin in the second round followed by Daniil Medvedev.
