Taylor Fritz sets up final against Maxime Cressy in Eastbourne - UBITENNIS

Taylor Fritz sets up final against Maxime Cressy in Eastbourne

By sampaolo
3 Min Read

Taylor Fritz overcame Alex De Minaur 6-1 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 after 2 hours and 2 minutes to reach the final at the Rotheasy International in Eastbourne. 

Fritz did not drop serve in the semifinal and fended off three break points in each of the two first two sets.

The US player broke twice in the second and fourth games and saved a break point in the fifth game to close out the first set 6-1. 

Fritz saved two break points in the second game of the second set, which went on serve en route to the tie-break. De Minaur won three consecutive points from 4-5 down to win the tie-break 7-5. 

Fritz converted his second break point in the fourth game of the third set to open up a 3-1 lead. The Californian player held on his next service games to close out the third set 6-3. Fritz ended the match with 13 aces and 35 winners. 

“It’s amazing. I was having a bit of a rough start coming back coming back from injury to the grass season. Then I came here and the first day I wash ere I just immediately felt like I was playing good tennis again.  I just have a lot of confidence being here, obviously great memories, so I am really excited to come back out and play for the title again”, said Fritz. 

Fritz improved to 3-3 in his six head-to-head matches against De Minaur. 

Fritz will face Maxime Cressy for the first time in his career in Saturday’s final. Cressy edged past Jack Draper 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (2-7) 6-3 in the semifinal in two hours and 41 minutes to reach the second ATP Tour FInal of his career. Cressy beat Daniel Evans in the second round and Cameron Norrie in the quarter final in straight sets and did not drop a set this week. 

Draper saved four break points in the first set. Cressy won the tie-break 7-5 after Draper fended off two set points. Draper played a solid second-set tie-break to level the match. 

Cressy earned the first break of the match on his 10th break point in the sixth game of the decisive set to take a 4-2 lead. The US player saved five break points in his last two service games (two in the seventh game and three in the ninth game as he was serving for the match) and held his serve to close out the match after 2 hours and 41 minutes. 

“It’s a roller coaster. It’s hard to describe the feeling, but I feel a lot of relief from that game. I am incredibly happy and thrilled to be in the final”, said Cressy. 

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