Taylor Fritz is known as one of the most hardworking players on the tour. He has played 77 matches this season and recorded 54 wins. Fritz had to exit the season early due to injuries. It thwarted his chances of qualifying for the Nitto ATP Finals for the second consecutive time. Fritz could only make a short appearance at this year’s season-ending championship.
The American player played a one-set exhibition match against Hubert Hurkacz. Even though he was injured, Fritz was booed by the fans in Turin for not putting up his best effort. He was the second alternate at the Nitto ATP finals and did not want to play too hard to worsen his injury. Fritz had suffered an abdominal strain during the Paris Masters and withdrew from the event.
The 26-year-old announced the news of his withdrawal after winning the opening round. He played in four events after the US Open and could not maintain a two-match winning streak. Fritz’s form only worsened in the last few months of the season. He was at his best in the first half of this season and reached new heights in the rankings. Fritz has led the American attack on the tour in the past few years.
Taylor Fritz caps off the 2023 season with new milestones
Fritz recorded 31 wins in the first six months of the 2023 season. He won 27 matches in the first four months and briefly led the season with tour-level victories. During this stage, Fritz reached a career-best No. 5 in the rankings. He became the first American since Andy Roddick in 2009 to enter the top five on the ATP tour.
The world No. 10 won two titles this season on home soil. He took the title at Delray Beach by only dropping a single set. Fritz went on to take his sixth career title in Atlanta and showed his masterclass during the whole event. He is now two matches away from completing 400 matches on the tour. Fritz has won 231 matches so far and will look to complete 250 wins during the hardcourt season next year.
Taylor Fritz is World No.5.
First American man to break into the top five since Andy Roddick in 2019. 🙌🏽 pic.twitter.com/pmITlOavW3
— Biola Solace-Chukwu (@Beeorlicious) February 27, 2023
Fritz will now recover from the injury to prepare for the United Cup. He will be leading the American squad at the event next season as they prepare to defend the title. Fritz will look to enter the top three of the rankings next season, as he came close this time. He can restore American glory in the sport, just like it was a decade ago.