The sun beams down on Center Court in Indian Wells, California, and the wind blows gently, making for a comfortable afternoon outside. Spectators pack the stands to witness the Greatest of All Time, Spain’s Rafael Nadal, win his 21st match in a row, after he’s comfortably sat in the top ten for the last 17 years. Except, he wouldn’t win, and his streak would come to an end. The greatest would be taken down by a lanky, young Californian, projected to lose, badly.
A big win for the newcomer. (Tennis.com)
“Six serving five!” The ball flies off of the young player’s racket, just barely reached by Nadal. The underdog sees his opportunity to approach, slamming the ball into the corner of the court, just an inch too far for Nadal to reach. The ball rolls off of Nadal’s racket, falls just short of the net. Right then and there, the winner collapsed to the ground, the crowd thundered in claps and cheers and fist pumps, celebrating the unexpected win of the young player. That young American victor was Taylor Fritz, who has now worked his way to number five in the world. How did he rise from scraping by on tour to number five in the world?
Who is Taylor Fritz?
Taylor Fritz was born October 28th, 1997 in San Diego California. The Fritz family had tennis in its blood before Taylor was even born, his father, Guy Fritz was a professional tennis coach, and his mother, Kathy May, reached a career high of top ten on the women’s tour. Taylor first picked up a tennis racket at age two, and from there his passion and talent only rose. Like many other teenagers in sunny California, Taylor played on his high school tennis team, but after one season with his school, he decided to fully commit to tennis and switch to online school.
“My parents, both former tennis players, have been my biggest supporters and mentors. They’ve taught me the importance of hard work, discipline, and resilience. This background has helped shape my approach to tennis and life, keeping me focused on my goals.”- Taylor Fritz (Waterdrop)
The Start of the Race to Top Ten
At just barely 19, Fritz was awarded the 2016 Newcomer of the Year title, as a player on the ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors. The ITF is the worldwide competitive league for young who hope to make their way onto the professional men’s or women’s tour. He grinded his way to the number one spot on the junior tour, eventually becoming a threat to the men’s tour. Since being on the ATP men’s tour, six-foot- four Fritz has become known for his cool exterior, intense focus, and massive serve, making his eight ATP titles look like easy wins. Just five years after his “newcomer” title, Fritz broke into the top ten in the world.
“Breaking into the top 10 I feel is a dream for every tennis player, it’s a big milestone,”- Taylor Fritz (Tennis Gazette)
What did it take to get there?
Who pushed Taylor Fritz to climb so far so fast? No one but himself. Fritz’s coach, Michael Russell said, “Some players need extra motivation from an external source, Taylor’s motivation is always high. I just want to show quiet positivity.” Who keeps Fritz laser focused? Fritz does.
Fritz and coach Michael Russell practicing. (Tennis.com)
Why Taylor Fritz?
According to the official ATP tour website, there are 1,814 men on tour. So what makes Fritz stand out? Energy. Known for his roaring passion, Fritz celebrates his wins by thrusting his fist into the air, and often pairs it with a loud roar to the crowd. Despite his success, if a fan was watching Fritz be defeated, they wouldn’t be able to tell. Half of the game is mentality; each facial expression, dragging step, and racket smack weaken an opponent, exposing their vulnerability and allowing their opponent to pounce. Fritz never allows his opponent to read him, keeping a straight, focused face. His ability to maintain his composure during high-pressure moments is part of the reasons his fans love him so much. The attention his fans give him has only increased through his time on tour.
New York Daily News
“Yeah, obviously, as my ranking goes up, as I win more, there’s going to be more fans and more attention on me. But, I feel like it’s been a very natural growth. It’s no coincidence that wins and stuff like that correlates to all the attention that you’re going to be getting online.”-Taylor Fritz (Interview Mag)
The End of the Year
Every player on tour works all season to succeed in the Nitto ATP Finals, held November 10th through 17th in Turin, Italy. The end-of-year hard court tournament hosts the world’s top eight men’s singles players, and the top eight men’s doubles players, competing for the ultimate domination, and a $15,250,000 cash prize.
“I’m fifth in the Race right now and hoping to finish the year there. Regardless of how the rest of the year goes, it’s going to be my highest ranking finish.”- Taylor Fritz (ATP Tour)
Despite being at a career high, Fritz is not done. Being fifth in the world means there’s four players above him to defeat, a milestone he has yet to reach.
“I think I’ve reached the point where getting into this round is a joy for me, but I don’t feel like the job is done.”-Taylor Fritz (Breakpoint)
