The American chooses which opponent is tougher, Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner: “I faced his most difficult version…”.
At 27 years old, Taylor Fritz played in his first Grand Slam final at the US Open last season, although he was unable to do much against a relentless Jannik Sinner. The American, currently ranked number five in the world, has been making significant strides in his game for some time, but has yet to dominate in those crucial final rounds.
Fritz will have a new opportunity at this Wimbledon 2025. Despite not being the top contender to win the British Grand Slam, Fritz acknowledged to the press the pressure and expectations he sets for himself regarding his career goals.
In search of a Grand Slam
“It’s the only reason I want to keep playing. I would probably feel a void if I don’t achieve it, I would think about it forever if I don’t,” Taylor honestly stated in an interview for The Guardian. “This could be the best chance for me to win a Slam. I don’t know if I would say I have a better chance at the US Open. I’ve never thought I had unlimited time. I’ve always felt like I have to make it happen soon.”
Which opponent is tougher: Alcaraz or Sinner?
“I’d say Carlos is the toughest opponent for me, but I have to add the caveat that when we played in the Laver Cup last year, I faced his toughest version, where it seems like there’s nothing you can do. Although obviously Sinner has beaten me several times, quite decisively, at least in those matches I felt I could play tennis. In the Laver Cup with Carlos, I felt, for 80 or 90% of the match, like I couldn’t do anything…”.
His evolution
“My enjoyment in tennis has always been competing. I never liked training when I was younger. I would invent injuries to avoid it, but as I grew up, I began to enjoy the feeling after a good practice or giving it my all.
You have to have a lot of confidence in your abilities and believe in yourself. You have to be a bit naive, in a good way, it’s good. When I was 14, I wasn’t that good, but I fantasized a lot saying I would make it without a doubt. I truly believed it and there’s no way I would be here now without it. I’ll never criticize anyone for saying things that may sound delusional or hopeful.”