"I'm expecting big things in 2022" - Fritz confident ahead of new ATP season

Having suffered a gruesome injury at Roland Garros in June did not deter Taylor Fritz, as the American overcame that obstacle to reach six semifinals and climb to a career-high ranking in 2021.

The 24-year old ended the year with a 34-22 record, climbing to World No.23 in the world and was one of the most in-form players after the US Open. In an interview with TENNIS.com, Fritz spoke about how he rediscovered his form.

"Even before Indian Wells I was thinking it wasn’t my best year, but I was putting myself in good positions in lots of tournaments," said Fritz. "I just kept losing that ‘next match.’ Then at Indian Wells I was able to win that next match, those ‘next two matches,’ that put me deeper into tournaments. That made me very happy with the year."

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The top-ranked American credited his change in mentality for his improved play, adding that it made a big difference in his game.

"I developed a little more confidence in my shots, and used my forehand as more of a weapon," revealed Fritz. "We (Fritz and his coach, David Nainkin) always knew that's how I wanted to play. But sometimes when you get out on the court and it’s a big situation, a big occasion, it’s tougher to pull the trigger, to let it go and be more aggressive. The biggest thing has been a change in my mentality, my ability to stay aggressive, and to take chances in those big moments.

"The changes in mentality made a big difference in my game. I trusted my shots. I’m expecting big things in 2022 because I feel the way I am playing right now is levels above before."