"Sometimes it's just tough" - Taylor Fritz gives insight into life on the ATP Tour

Taylor Fritz has experienced a resurgence in his career over the past few months, reaching the semifinals at Indian Wells last year before falling in the fourth round in a five-set epic to World No.4 Stefanos Tsitsipas at this year's Australian Open.

The American is currently ranked at a career-high of World No.19, and is the top seed at the ongoing Dallas Open. The 24-year old took some time to speak with ATPTour.com, delving into the finer aspects of life on the professional tennis circuit.

What are two essential non-tennis items you always pack for trips?

I always bring my computer to just keep me entertained. Outside of tennis stuff, I don’t know if there are any other essentials. Obviously toiletries and stuff.

What item did you forget to bring one time that caused you distress?

I’m a pretty last-second packer, so occasionally I’ll leave out some little things. But never anything too serious. I pack within the hour before I leave. I just like to do that.

As a tennis player, maintaining your body is of the utmost importance, so how do you take care of it during long trips?

I have my physio, so we’ll do work to try and loosen up the body, especially the day after I land. But the most important thing on a long travel day is probably just making sure that I get myself set on the right timezone as soon as possible. So if I land in the morning, I make sure I stay up and go to sleep at a regular time. Definitely no naps the first day.

You beat the jetlag on the first day. I don’t know what people believe, but you’re going to either have it bad or beat it based on the first day you get there.

How long did it take you to realize that?

I think I’ve always known that, at least for the past couple years. But sometimes it’s just tough. You’re really, really tired when you get in sometimes. I feel like I’ve just done a better job recently of fighting it out and staying up until a good time.

How do you pass the time on airplanes?

Sleep. I spend more than half of my time on an airplane sleeping. Purposely a lot of times I’ll stay up a little later the night before so it’s easier for me to go to sleep when I get on the plane. I’m really great at sleeping wherever. I love sleeping.

You’re here at the inaugural Dallas Open this week. What do you think about the tournament moving here this year?

It’s awesome. I think it’s a really good move. It’s in between Florida and Los Angeles… I like the fact that there’s a tournament here now. I think it’s going to do really well. I think the people the fans are going to be really good and I hope it does well.

Fritz is scheduled to face compatriot Jack Sock in the second round on Thursday, with both men tied at two wins apiece.

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