"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.

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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.