Taylor Fritz keeps his cool late on to seal first straight sets victory in 2026 over Vit Kopriva at Australian Open

Taylor Fritz went out like a rocket in the opening stages of his Australian Open second round clash, but was immersed in a dogfight at the end of his second round matchup against Vit Kopriva, winning 6-1, 6-4, 7-6(4).

While it has not been the most convincing start to the year for the former world number four, Fritz proved his worth on John Cain Arena. He went out to a blistering start, taking no time to wrap up the first set before being challenged slightly more for the second set.

He was not in any trouble in any parts of the match despite the growing threat of his Czech opponent as he started to creep closer to the level that Fritz displayed. The former quarter-finalist was on hand to get the job done to reach the third round for the third consecutive year.

Fritz, known for his big serving, tallied up 15 aces compared to Kopriva's three. He won an impressive 79% of first serves while clinically converting four out of seven break points.

Fritz has been used to being embroiled in lengthy games and matches. The first set went completely against the trend as he took down his opponent in just 20 minutes. He won the 12 of the first 13 points of the match to take a 3-0 lead. Kopriva got a game on the board, but it was just a consolation at this point with Fritz streaking further ahead. He won the remaining three games to finish up a very convincing opening set. He dropped in total just nine points, with three of them coming on his serve.

It was a closer tussle in the second set, but the same result. Just completed in double the time. The American won the first eight points, breaking in the first game which would prove to be very crucial.

Fritz held to love to go 3-1 ahead, before missing a chance to go 4-1 ahead and extend his lead even further. Kopriva was growing more into the match and had started to push Fritz on the serve but got no reward. Another break point went missing for Fritz, which in turn would be a set point. He overcame this disappointment quickly on his serve in the next game to double his advantage.

Both players would survive a single break point in the third set as it looked like a tiebreak was inevitable. This was until Fritz was able to nick a precious advantage very late on, setting himself up for glory. It was a golden chance wasted as Kopriva broke straight back to make that tiebreak a reality.

The regrets which would have loomed for Fritz if he did not convert this tiebreak were not to be shown with him able to keep the Czech tennis player at arm's length. He raced 5-2 ahead before managing to finish off the match to seal his first straight sets win of 2026. Up next for the American is none other than three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka.