Unseeded Zhang Upsets Fritz to Reach Quarterfinals at Madrid Open

Zhang Zhizhen defeated Taylor Fritz to reach the quarterfinals of the Madrid Open with a 3-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(8) victory.

Zhang Zhizhen came into the match in great form, having defeated Jurij Rodionov in the first round, followed by a tough win over Denis Shapovalov in the third set tie-break, and then beating Cameron Norrie in the third round, also winning in the decisive tie-break.

Fritz made his debut in the second round against Australian Christopher O'Connell, winning in straight sets, and then easily defeated Chilean Christian Garin. Although not known for his clay court prowess, the American has shown this season that he can play well on this surface, as evidenced by his victory over Tsitsipas in Monte-Carlo.

Fritz led the first set from the start with his serve and only conceded four points to Zhang on his serve, taking a clear lead of 6-3. In the second set, it seemed all but over when Fritz secured a break and was leading 4-3, 40-15, but Zhang made a comeback, getting his first break to level the set 4-4 and increasing the tension in the Arantza Sanchez Stadium. Both players held their serve until the tie-break, where Zhang prevailed, bringing his record to 5-1 in tie-breaks during the tournament.

Until 4-4 in the third set, everything seemed evenly matched, but Zhang demonstrated his superiority over Fritz. In the ninth game, a break left Zhang with the chance to serve for the match, but he couldn't get past the world No. 10, who broke back and extended the match to the tiebreak. With match points for both players, Zhang got stronger and won 10-8 in the tiebreak. Zhang will face Aslan Karatsev in the Madrid Open quarterfinals.

The Russian surprised second seed Daniil Medvedev in straight sets and has been on a great streak since the qualifying rounds.