2025 Rivalries: Alcaraz vs. Fritz Revisited
Explore the dynamic clashes that defined this year’s exhilarating encounters between these Top 10 contenders.
November 26, 2025
Koji Watanabe/Getty Images
Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz showcase their rivalry before the Tokyo championship.
By Grant Thompson
As we bid farewell to an electrifying tennis season, ATPTour.com presents our annual ‘Best Of’ series. This week, we reflect on the most captivating rivalries, unforgettable matches, and stunning upsets of the year.
This year, four riveting battles at the Lexus ATP Head2Head between Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz solidified their burgeoning rivalry. Previously meeting just twice, the two faced off in high-stakes tournaments, including the Wimbledon semi-finals and the Nitto ATP Finals.
Here’s a recap of the intense encounters between Alcaraz and Fritz this season.
Wimbledon Semifinals: Alcaraz d. Fritz 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 7-6(6)
The Wimbledon semi-final match served up drama and tension as the stakes reached their zenith. Facing set points at 4/6 in a nail-biting fourth-set tiebreaker, Alcaraz rallied to win four consecutive points, securing his place in a third consecutive final at SW19.
Alcaraz entered the match riding a remarkable 24-match winning streak, while Fritz was fresh off a stellar grass-court season, having clinched the title in Eastbourne. Yet, his quest for a first tour-level victory against Alcaraz continued on the hallowed grounds of the All England Club.
Displaying an aggressive baseline game, Alcaraz unleashed a flurry of drop shots and powerful serves, keeping Fritz on the defensive. With crucial moments in play, Alcaraz surged forward at critical junctures, ultimately capitalizing on a misfired forehand from Fritz at 6/5 in the tiebreak.
Credit: Henry Nicholls/AFP via Getty Images.
Laver Cup: Fritz d. Alcaraz 6-3, 6-2
In a landmark moment for Fritz, he secured his first Lexus ATP Head2Head win against Alcaraz, dominating at September’s Laver Cup in San Francisco.
Fritz exhibited an assertive style, seizing control of baseline exchanges and exerting relentless pressure on Alcaraz, converting 16 of 20 net points. He clinched the second set by sweeping the last four games, and a crucial moment came in the opening game when he fended off both break points he faced.
“The three times I had played Carlos, he had broken me in the first game every time,” Fritz noted. “Getting out of that first game was huge. I just made sure I didn’t second guess myself.”
Tokyo Final: Alcaraz d. Fritz 6-4, 6-4
In a thrilling rematch just nine days later, Alcaraz avenged his earlier defeat against Fritz at the Kinoshita Group Japan Open in Tokyo.
Dominating the match, Alcaraz showcased his signature shot-making prowess, quickly overwhelming Fritz to seal a swift 93-minute victory. Fritz struggled with mobility after taking a medical timeout for a thigh issue, ultimately unable to reclaim the Tokyo title he previously won in 2022.
“I’m really pleased with my performance,” Alcaraz expressed, reflecting on his return from injury. “I was happy to overcome that setback and lift the trophy in my Tokyo debut.”
Nitto ATP Finals Round Robin: Alcaraz d. Fritz 6-7(2), 7-5, 6-3
These rivals saved their most thrilling encounter for the finals. Fritz stormed ahead, capitalizing on his momentum early, while holding two break points in the second set. Yet, Alcaraz’s comeback showcased his resilience.
In a pivotal moment, with Fritz poised to break in the second set, Alcaraz executed a spectacular backhand volley, defying expectations and turning the tide. After a grueling 19-shot rally, Alcaraz eventually held serve, shifting the match’s momentum squarely in his favor.
In a gripping battle, both players vied for dominance, but a focused Alcaraz elevated his game in the third set to secure the win.
“I felt relieved after the win because of everything I went through during the match,” Alcaraz admitted. “I knew I needed to adjust and adapt to find a way to come back.”
