Wimbledon warning shot: Tayor Fritz finds form, tops Alexander Zverev for Stuttgart crown

Taylor Fritz secured his fourth grass-court title, defeating Alexander Zverev in the Stuttgart Open final 6-3, 7-6(1). The world No. 7 claims the Stuttgart crown for the first time – adding to his three titles at Eastbourne International – and starts the grass-swing on the right foot with Wimbledon in mind.

The American put on a phenomenal performance and earned his fifth consecutive victory against Zverev, moving their head-to-head to 9-5. Fritz successfully climbed the rankings, settling at world No. 4 starting this Monday, while Zverev maintains a considerable distance as world No. 3.

Both players started with strong service games, neither seeming to give their opponent any opportunities. Up to 3-3, everything was calm on both sides, with virtually no long rallies, and Fritz took a 4-3 lead on his serve. Then came the key moment of the set: Zverev was down 30-40 on his serve. Fritz capitalized on his second opportunity and secured a break that put him up 5-3.

The 2024 US Open finalist had no problems closing out the set: a nearly impeccable service game saw him take a 6-3 lead. The German conceded only 8 points on his serve, while the American did so on 6 occasions. They were quite evenly matched with 70% first serves and 9 winners each, though Fritz gained the advantage at the most crucial moment.

The second set began with light rain that quickly intensified. When Zverev was serving – with the score at 1-1 (15-0) – the rain forced a match suspension. Upon resumption, neither player dropped their level and managed to maintain parity throughout the set, with Zverev always slightly ahead.

With the score at 5-5, the first break opportunity of the set arose, which Fritz failed to convert. Nevertheless, he forced a tie-break, where he would be far more imposing. Three mini-breaks and perfect effectiveness on his serve ultimately gave him the victory without issues in the tie-break, 6-3, 7-6, securing the ninth title of his career – his first of the season and fourth on grass courts.