Fritz Dominates Machac: Secures Spot in US Open Quarterfinals with a Score of 6–4, 6–3, 6–3
Taylor Fritz, the top-ranking American and last year’s runner-up, sought to rediscover his rhythm and confidence after a challenging summer hardcourt performance. His recent outings saw him exiting in the round of sixteen in Cincinnati, the semifinals in Toronto, and the quarterfinals in DC. The world’s #4 achieved a clean straight-sets win in his opening match in NY, but encountered tougher competition in his last two matches, needing four sets to advance.
Awaiting him in the quest for a consecutive appearance in the final eight was the skillful Czech player, Tomas Machac. Ranked just below his career-best of #20, the 24-year-old holds the 21st seed at this grand tournament. Earlier this season, he clinched his first tour-level title at the ATP 500 Mexican Open. Impressively, he has reached the fourth round at the USTA BJK National Tennis Center without losing a set for the second consecutive year!
Fritz entered the match with a favorable head-to-head record of 2–0. This encounter marked their second meeting on the ATP tour and their second clash at a major tournament. On a splendid summer evening, with the roof open over Armstrong Stadium, Fritz started strong, opening and closing the first game with aces.
(Image: Getty)
The American made 5/6 first serves, holding to 30, while Machac faced a tricky 0-30 before regaining composure to hold with a stunning backhand winner. As the fifth game began, Fritz unleashed his third ace, comfortably holding to 15. Machac recovered from a double fault and faced two deuces and a break point, but ultimately held with an impressive backhand down the line.
Despite missing 3/5 first serves, Fritz still managed to hold to 15 for a 4–3 lead. Machac, now serving with fresh balls, held easily with an ace, but Fritz’s powerful forehand down the line allowed him to hold at 5–4. Unfortunately for Machac, he fell prey to a series of unforced errors, ultimately yielding the set to Fritz.
Fritz kicked off the second set, facing a double fault yet winning the game thanks to an ace. Machac, opening with a double fault as well, managed to level the score at one after facing a break point. With a commanding style, Fritz hit two more aces to secure a 2–1 lead, while Machac, consistently delivering under pressure, leveled at 2–2.
The world #4 achieved another love hold for 4–3 with an impressive forehand, but Machac swiftly responded, holding with three incredible groundstroke winners. Fritz maintained his composure, securing the set at 6–3 with his eleventh ace and a crucial error from Machac.
In the third set, Machac began with a powerful 122 mph ace but found himself quickly leveled by Fritz, who held at love with a remarkable inside-in forehand. Machac’s struggles continued as he committed a series of errors, allowing Fritz to build a lead and hold firmly at 3–1.
With both players exhibiting extraordinary skills, Machac held at love and Fritz countered effectively, leaving the latter leading at 5–3. As Machac served to prolong the match, it was evident that unforced errors plagued him, ultimately leading to his defeat as Fritz sealed the match with a precise shot that Machac could not return.
This match showcased an impressive performance by the world #4, as Fritz played aggressively yet composed throughout, wrapping up victory in just over 90 minutes. He boasted an impressive total of fourteen aces, two double faults, and an exceptional win rate of 91% on first serves while converting 4/8 break points.
As the last American in the draw and the 2024 US Open finalist, Fritz is poised for a monumental quarterfinal showdown against the remarkable 24-time Grand Slam champion and former world #1, Novak Djokovic. Though Fritz is currently at a disadvantage of 0-10 in their head-to-head battles, it will be a fresh contest, as they haven’t met in nearly a year. Their last encounter at the US Open ended in straight sets in favor of Djokovic.
