Taylor Fritz's chances for ATP Finals in danger after tough defeat to Alexander Shevchenko at 2023 Swiss Indoors Basel

Taylor Fritz has found his chances of qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin at risk after an incredibly tough second-round defeat to Alexander Shevchenko at the 2023 Swiss Indoors Basel, the latter of whom won the match 6-7 (7), 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5).

The World No. 9 had pulled off an impressive comeback against Max Purcell in the previous round, defeating the Australian player in straight sets, both of which went to a tiebreak. Meanwhile, Shevchenko, who is currently ranked No. 83 in the world, moved through qualifiers before ousting the home player and three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka in the first round.

The opening set was an indication of how the match would unfold as both players fended off challenges and held their serve. Eventually, a tiebreak was required, during which Shevchenko made a strong start by building up five set points with a 6-1 lead.

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However, Fritz was able to dig deep and achieved a Houdini-esque comeback to level the tiebreak at 6-6. At this point, the American looked to be back in control and dictated the points to clinch the first set.

Shevchenko edges ahead in close-knit clash

Shevchenko was far from done though and fought back in the second set, amassing three break points while leading 4-3 on serve. However, Fritz was able to bring it to a deuce and after a long back-and-forth including a nasty fall for the American, he was able to ace the Russian in order to hold.

After this, several of Shevchenko's service games went to a deuce but Fritz was unable to convert any chances into a break. In the end, they found themselves at another tiebreak.

This one was much tighter throughout but Shevchenko edged ahead with two set points. Although he lost the first one, he was finally able to convert his eighth set point of the match to force a decider.

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As the set drew to a close, Fritz looked as though he could clinch the win as he got two match points on Shevchenko's service game at 6-5. However, his opponent fought back once again to force yet another tiebreak.

Thus, the intense battle continued, with Fritz even losing his shoe at one point during the tie in a hilarious moment. In the end, though, Shevchenko's strong serving gave him his first match point, which he successfully converted after Fritz hit the ball long.

This means that Shevchenko will progress to his first-ever ATP Tour-level quarter-final, while Fritz will remain behind Holger Rune in the race to Turin, sitting just outside of the Top 8 in ninth.

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BREAKING NEW GROUND 🫡 Alexander Shevchenko saves two match points as he stuns Fritz in Basel 🚨 #SwissIndoorsBasel

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