Taylor Fritz eases past Popyrin in Washington

The top-ranked American player Taylor Fritz eased himself past Alexei Popyrin with a straight sets win in Washington.

Fritz did not have to play round one due to being a seed and he didn't mind it. Upon returning to the courts, Fritz played a fairly solid match to take down Australian Popyrin in two sets. It wasn't the best the American can offer but it was just good enough to win the match and get his Washington campaign underway. He'll probably improve over the next rounds as the conditions suit him well.

From the start, it was evident that Fritz had very few issues with either the heat or the conditions. Popyrin held himself well saving two early break points to stay in the match. It was rather calm for a few games but eventually, Fritz did take the break at 5-4 to close out the opening set 6-4.

It was a nicely played set of tennis from Fritt who served well dropping only one point behind his first serve. He got plenty of looks on the 2nd of Popyrin and that proved crucial. The 2nd set was quite similar as both were able to hold their serves early. Neither allowed much behind the first serve and both were clinical.

Popyrin faltered first dropping his serve at 4-3 to give Fritz the 5-3 lead with the American holding his serve from 15-40 down in the game. A good win from Fritz who showed a fairly decent level with quite a bit of upside.