Taylor Fritz defeats Dan Evans in Abu Dhabi to finish 5th at exhibition event

The American player started the match well taking an early break which he was unable to hold. Fritz played a very loose style of tennis that was highlighted by going for shots that he might not usually go for, especially in a match with higher stakes. Here, he did not care much and went for it often which worked initially. Evans was able to crawl back into the match and sent the first set into a tiebreak.

There it was Fritz whose aggressive play paid dividends as he was able to win it 7-5. The start of the 2nd set featured more solid play from Fritz as the American was able to exert a lot of pressure on Evans. The Brit was forced to save several break points and he was able to do it. At 5-4 for Evans Fritz completely threw away the 2nd set by playing a terrible game.

Unforced errors, double faults, and more led to Evans breaking him with zero to win the 2nd set with 6-4. A championship tiebreak followed and early on it was all Evans. Fritz was unable to hit the court slamming balls wide. His play was completely out of control and Evans was able to carve out an 8-4 lead. It seemed like a foregone conclusion that he will win the match but momentum shifted after a net tip.

Fritz was able to win that point due to some luck and he went on to win two more to make it 8-7. Evans had a match point on but he served a double fault to give the American a chance. He would take it with some risky play that paid off winning the final set with 11-9. Fritz finishes 5th at the event.