"If I'm being honest I expected it": Fritz not shocked at breakthrough of Americans, lauds Tiafoe and Paul
Tennis NewsSunday, 03 September 2023 at 01:30
World number nine Taylor Fritz has predicted an American
player to play in the semifinal of the US Open.
The fourth and final Grand Slam of the year is moving
towards the business end as players continue to battle it out to secure the
ultimate prize.
Fritz, who is still very alive in the contest, predicted
that one of the American players will participate in the last-four and also
heaped praise on fellow countrymen Frances Tiafoe and Tommy Paul.
“It feels really good, if I'm being honest. I expected it. I
expected Frances and Tommy to move forward,” said Fritz while talking to the
media. “Even yesterday, before everyone played today, I looked at the draw.
This side of the draw is crazy. I looked at it for the first time, the whole
thing.
“I was like, wow, one of these guys on their side, is for
sure making it to the semi-finals. Not to put pressure on them, but that's just
what I thought personally. I was like, I wonder who it's going to be, but one
of them is going to be in the semis.”
Fritz is set to face Switzerland’s Dominic Stephan Stricker
in the round of 16 clash of the US Open on Sunday.
On the other hand, Tiafoe will face Australia’s Rinky Hijikata
whereas Paul will go up against Ben Shelton in the fourth-round fixtures.
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
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