"Wouldn’t say Novak’s aura has worn off": Taylor Fritz dismisses notion of Novak Djokovic downturn, aims to finally break hoodoo

Taylor Fritz produced what he called his best performance of the 2025 US Open so far, powering past his opponent Tomas Machac in straight sets to reach the second week in New York.

Reaching the final last year, Fritz has had an up and down 12 months since then in particular struggling with injury earlier in the season but the American called his 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 showcase win as the best he has had in New York. This is high praise given his previous wins at the US Open.

“I thought it was definitely the best match I’ve played so far this tournament,” Fritz said after the win. “The last two matches I played before this one were so windy—even on Armstrong, like incredibly windy, front to back. It just felt very hard to play, to hit the ball completely different every two games when I switched sides. Today it was nice. I was able to actually get in a rhythm, return well, serve really well, and mix consistency with being aggressive. I’m really happy with it.”

The American, who came into the match with a mixed history against his opponent Machac, explained that the conditions were far more favorable than in their last meeting. “When we played in Sydney, he beat me pretty good. That match just felt slower, like I couldn’t hurt him ever. This one felt different. With these balls, people miss more and it’s easier to put the ball away. I was serving well, putting a lot of returns deep, and I just played a very solid match.”

Looking ahead, Fritz is likely to face Novak Djokovic next. Their rivalry has been one-sided, but the world No. 1 believes he has closed the gap in recent years. “The first seven or eight times I played him, I just wasn’t good enough to really have much of a chance unless I had the best day ever and he had a bad day. Only the last couple of times we’ve played have I been a better player who can compete and have chances,” he said.

He recalled near misses in recent encounters. “Last time in Shanghai, I had set points in the second set—I should have taken it to a third. At the World Tour Finals I served for a set. There have been looks, but I just haven’t taken them in the important moments. That’s what makes the best guys the best—they’re not going to give it to you. You have to take it.”

Fritz dismissed any suggestion that Djokovic’s aura has faded in the locker room. “No, I wouldn’t say Novak’s aura has worn off. No matter what, it’s Novak—he has basically all the records in tennis. That never changes. But I think I’ve improved a lot as a player, and now some guys are able to beat him.”

The No. 1 American also addressed the weight of expectation as the last home hope in the men’s draw. “I guess it can be a good thing. Hopefully the crowd really gets behind me now because I am the last guy. It’s surprising it’s just me, but it’s been a rough week for the guys. Ben [Shelton] had the injury, and Foe [Frances Tiafoe] and Tommy [Paul] just ran into really dangerous players who were playing great tennis. I’m happy to be here, and hopefully the crowd can get behind me and we can do this.”

Fritz was also reminded of a milestone: ten years since he won the boys’ title at the US Open. “That was one of the first times I really put a lot of pressure on myself, because in juniors you only have so long and I wanted a Junior Slam so badly,” he said. “That made it even more special when I came through and won. Regardless of what else happens in my career, that will always be one of the happiest moments for me.”

As for his approach against Djokovic, Fritz said it’s about backing himself in the biggest moments. “I’ve played him a lot now, so the last couple of times I’ve just thought about myself. The biggest thing I need to do differently is in those tight moments—I need to play to win, not to lose. Against the very top guys, they’re not going to give it to you. You have to pull the trigger and take it. I believe my level is there now to do that.”