"It became trench warfare": Tommy Paul's coach likens Fritz epic to World World I

According to Brad Stine, coach of American tennis player Tommy Paul, his ward's semifinal match against compatriot Taylor Fritz at the 2023 Mexican Open could have been a scene World War I.

Paul prevailed in that encounter, requiring over three hours to secure a thrilling three-set victory during tough conditions. Stine later revealed how both players struggled to cope with the humidity.

"That was one of the craziest matches that I've watched and I've been around the game for 30 years," the veteran coach stated. It was a wild scenario, the entire situation. The crowds down there in Acapulco, the Mexican fans, they are crazy tennis fans. It should have been a scene in a World War 1 movie."

Stine described the contest as a 'battle of attrition' and felt the match turned in his pupil's favor when Fritz threw up on the sidelines late into the match.

"It became trench warfare, a battle of attrition," said Stine. "Both guys cramping and then the ultimate turning point was when Fritz went to the sidelines and threw up. From that point on, Tommy dominated.

"As the year goes by, people will go back and revisit that match as potentially one of the most interesting, craziest, and intense matches that happened throughout the entirety of the year."