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Warning: Surging Taylor Fritz On Verge Of Breakout
81 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Scoop
By Scoop Malinowski
We’ve only seen the beginning impact of the Tennys Sandgren phenomenon which erupted in Melbourne and sent major shockwaves through the ATP World Tour.
There is no doubt that handfuls of ATP Challenger grinders keenly observed Sandgren’s sensational run in Melbourne and are inspired by it.
As I pointed out in a recent article, Sandgren lost to over a dozen players last year in Challengers and each and every one of those players has to be believing that he too can now get hot like Sandgren and plow his way through a Grand Slam draw to the quarterfinals at least.
One such player who has suddenly awakened with a hot streak is Taylor Fritz. The Californian struggled with confidence last year though he did manage to beat Sandgren twice in successive weeks in Challengers.
Fritz is red hot right now, having won his first title in over a year last week in Newport Beach. And this week in Dallas he’s won another two rounds, tonight besting veteran Bradley Klahn again, for the second time in four days. It was another three set win for Fritz, this time a 7-6 in the third set buster, following Sundays Newport Beach final win 6-0 in the third.
Fritz played a very intelligent match tonight, defusing Klahn’s potent forehand by zeroing in on the Klahn backhand over and over and over, nicely mixing up the speeds and spins to provoke errors.
Fritz burst on the scene a couple of years ago, smashing through Australian Open qualies to reach the main draw, where he lost in five sets to Jack Sock. He also lost in five sets to Sock that year at the US Open. Last year Fritz struggled with inconsistent results and his ranking dropped outside the top 100. But he’s back in the 70s range again and clearly on the rise.
So if you’re wondering which Challenger player appears ready to recreate another Tennys Sandgren phenomenon this spring and summer, keep an eye on Taylor Fritz.
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1 2 Next »herios · January 31, 2018 at 9:38 pm
I hope his focus is back and stays. His marriage, fatherhood were most likely a little too much to deal with at such age when they should concentrate on ddvelepoing as players. Good run for Taylor in Newport Beach.
Duke Carnoustie · January 31, 2018 at 11:45 pm
You may be right Scoop but I say a red-hot Denis Kudla takes him down on Thursday.
Having said that, Fritz will surpass Young and Donaldson easily and probably Harrison as well. Harry has points to defend in NY and I expect him to falter in the glare of the Big Apple.
How about Pospisil climbing back up the ladder?
El Dude · February 1, 2018 at 1:34 am
Holy Hyperbole, Batman!
Sandgren did not send "major shockwaves through the ATP World Tour."
Ricardo · February 1, 2018 at 1:59 am
Unless you are on the tour, you just wouldn’t know. Players talk more than you know.
Duke Carnoustie · February 1, 2018 at 2:13 am
Sandgren is a star in the making from humble backgrounds of Tennessee who has become a hero to the American public after his recent appearance on Fox news. I know I am rooting for him like many Americans.
El Dude · February 1, 2018 at 3:04 am
Who knows, maybe. I just don't think a single QF appearance by a 26 year old should be considered "major shockwaves." It could be an outlier. Sure, he beat Stan and Thiem, but Stan is just getting over an injury and Thiem is hardly awe-inspiring off clay.
Dear scoop, bless his heart and whose writing I do enjoy, is prone to hyperbole.
Scoop Malinowski · February 1, 2018 at 8:43 am
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Sandgren being invited to do an interview on Fox News is about as big as it gets for himself and tennis and it transcends the sport. And it will attract new fans to be interested in tennis and Sandgren. So people like Courier and Wertheim saying what Sandgren said "was a bad look" for tennis was inaccurate. All sports and all businesses have controversy and some dirty laundry. It's reality.
Scoop Malinowski · February 1, 2018 at 8:46 am
Scoop Malinowski writes:
El Dude. Sandgren won two matches in the ATP in six years. Then all the sudden he explodes for four wins in a Grand Slam. In one week he did better than he did for six years. That's like an earthquake. You can't name anything that happened in tennis of a greater magnitude of shockwaves than that can you? Please do try. I'm waiting.
Dan Markowitz · February 1, 2018 at 8:50 am
Of course, Scoop is prone to hyperbole. El Dude characterizes it right. Beating a rusty post-surgery Stan and Thiem who almost lost to Kudla, for godsakes, is not shocking the tennis world. And Sandgren is not an American hero. It’s Fox News, Duke, enough said. I would think in the pretty open-minded circles of tennis, Sandgren will receive a rather skeptical reception as opposed to outright applause and acclaim. Let’s see now that the spotlight is on Sandgren, how he does. This isn’t the Challengers anymore where Cinderella. Your a marked man now and this is a dude who’s career win/loss on the Challenger circuit is 106-90. That ain’t too good. In fact, its downright middling.
You know what Spadea’s win/loss on Challenger Tour was? 136-82 and that’s including his last couple of years when he was floundering. Even my buddy Jeff Salzenstein has a better Challenger record (134-111) than Tennys.
Scoop Malinowski · February 1, 2018 at 8:58 am
Scoop Malinowski writes:
El Dude, I think what Sandgren has accomplished in the Australian Open should not be downplayed. I think the ATP should create a Dedication and Perseverance Award for tennis players and name it Sandgren's honor or Estrella Burgos' honor. I think Sandgren's heroics could be the inspiration and stimulant American tennis has needed to spark that final push to where Americans are now challenging for major titles. And in the near future courts and stadiums will need to be renamed in his honor 🙂
Chazz · February 1, 2018 at 9:02 am
Scoop, why don’t you take it one step further. Just change the spelling of the damn sport with a “y” instead of “i” in it. 🙂
Scoop Malinowski · February 1, 2018 at 9:47 am
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Like your way of thinking Chazz, well done. When there are four Ameicans in the top ten in the near future, it will be known as the Sandgrenaissance of American tennis 🙂
Dan Markowitz · February 1, 2018 at 10:03 am
Looking at this Long Island draw and its no joke: Qball, Izzie, Harry, SteveJo, Kei, Mannarino, Chung, Tiafoe, really looking forward to it. I can’t remember the last time I went to an indoor pro event. It might be way back when they used to hold the Year-ending Masters at MSG. Anyone from T-P going to be at the Nassau Colisieum, Feb 11-18?
Thomas Tung · February 1, 2018 at 12:34 pm
Dan, I have an outside chance of being at the Nassau Coliseum — not quite sure yet, though.
Hartt · February 1, 2018 at 1:55 pm
Fritz’s breakout just came to an end, at least in Dallas. I saw the last few games of the match and outside of Fritz’s 10 aces, Kudla totally outplayed him winning in SS, 6-3. 6-3.
Duke Carnoustie · February 1, 2018 at 1:55 pm
I told you guys that Kudla would crush Fritz and that’s what happened. This proves that Kudla is resurgent. Anyone who watched him vs. Thiem knows that he should have won that match and I think he could have beaten Sandgren and maybe even Chung, though I think Fed would have stopped him. Kudla went toe to toe with the great Cilic in SW19 round of 16 so he has the talent. He is proof that American tennis is back on the rise.
Believe the hype on Kudla folks!
Evan King took a step back with an ass-kicking at the hands of Robert. Sad!
How about Kiki Mladenovic finally winning a singles match? The Thiem effect in full effect.
El Dude · February 1, 2018 at 2:08 pm
Fair enough, @scoop. And don't get me wrong: I love stories like Sandgren's (or Estrella Burgos). I just think you over-exaggerated…just a wee bit. But no problem – that's your style, just don't be surprised if I bust your balls a bit for it ;-).
p.s. I think Roger winning another Slam at 36 and probably reclaiming #1 at some point soon is a bigger shockwave. Maybe even Chung's performance at the AO. But yeah, nice story re: Sandgren.
El Dude · February 1, 2018 at 2:09 pm
p.s. I really hope you're right about Fritz. I've only watched highlights of one match, but he had a nice flowing style that reminded me a bit of Dimitrov.
catherine · February 1, 2018 at 2:52 pm
Hartt – you’ll probably have seen that bad Petra turned up again today and then disappeared just as fast. Actually I couldn’t bear watching her match v Begu. Sheer agony.
Interested to see her watching Siniakova’s match, with I presume S’d coach ( but might not have been).
Scoop Malinowski · February 1, 2018 at 3:07 pm
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Kudla is definitely making a move, he whupped Johnson in Brisbane, had Thiem on the ropes. Not a shock win, Fritz has played a lot of tennis the last two weeks and he just finished a 76 in the third last night. Tough to play the next day after surviving a win like that. No disrespect of Kudla though, he's a rising force too. The Sandgrenaissance factor in effect.
Scoop Malinowski · February 1, 2018 at 3:11 pm
Scoop Malinowski writes:
El Dude you will need a sledgehammer to do that, I got a pair of titaniums 🙂 No way. Fed was no. 2 last yr and he should've been 1 by a good margin had he played clay. Chung won #NEXTGEN so his run was not a shock so much. Sandgren won all of TWO ATP matches in six years and then won four in a span of a week at a major. I can't think of a bigger surprise other than Hewitt winning Adelaide at 16 or Estrella Burgos breaking the top 100 finally at 33 and then winning three consecutive Quitos.
Scoop Malinowski · February 1, 2018 at 3:13 pm
Scoop Malinowski writes:
El Dude, Fritz plays nothing like Dimitrov, he has a slapshotty but powerful forehand and two handed backhand. His athleticism is not quite as pure as Super G. Which is not to say Fritz won't have the better career than Super G.
Duke Carnoustie · February 1, 2018 at 3:25 pm
Great Federer interview with Mats Wilander and the woman who somehow gets even more lovely each day, Barbara Schett…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfS84as9ors
Scoop Malinowski · February 1, 2018 at 3:58 pm
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Fascinating interview how totally open and uninhibited Federer is with the world. He has no guard up whatsoever, he tells us everything, it's mesmerizing. Just wondering how beneficial it would be if Fed hired Rios as one of his part time coaches, he loves Rios, the way he played, and Rios loves Fed, what ideas or visions Rios might have that could spark Fed with even more inspiration and creativity. And also how emotional Federer gets at times in his career is so unique. I remember the first times he cried – after he won both singles matches vs USA in Davis Cup, he broke down. Also when he won his first Masters Series in Hamburg. I mean, we all know Federer like he's family almost. The whole life story, the whole career, all Federer enthusiasts know it. But one thing that would be hard to endure for him and his fans would be if his body broke down and he suffered a Mattek Sands type serious injury. I think the stadium and court with fill up with about three feet deep in tears. But thanks for posting that interview Duke, it's a must watch.
El Dude · February 1, 2018 at 4:04 pm
Yeah, I know they play differently. But what I remember of watching Fritz is that he was fluid, moved nicely. Or maybe it was an almost gentle quality.
Hartt · February 1, 2018 at 4:25 pm
Catherine, I did not see Petra’s match but saw the score and some comments about about it. As a Petra fan, I have learned to live with her inconsistency, she can be totally different from one game to the next! But she puts her fans through the wringer.
Busted · February 1, 2018 at 4:54 pm
El Dude said:
↑
Thanks. I thought I missed something. The only thing about Sandgren that sent shockwaves was his history of alt-right nutjob tweeting…
Busted · February 1, 2018 at 5:00 pm
No offense but "transcends the sport" in a bad way. Tennis really does NOT need alt-right nut jobs as fans. The sport has enough diversity problems as it is. Do they really want to be seen as the sport FOX News and the KKK supports? What's next – Steve Bannon and Sean Hannity kick the McEnroe brothers out of the ESPN booth?
Dan Markowitz · February 1, 2018 at 8:44 pm
Busted,
Love the imagery of Bannon and Hannity doing the tennis broadcast in exchange for Mac brothers. I’m in agreement with you, brother. It’s going to be very interesting going forward here as I’m covering and attending next two tournaments in U.S. in New York and Florida, to see how Sandgren is received and how he responds. Although, as I look at the players for both tournaments, Sandgren is in neither. Surprising, all the top Americans are either in both or at least one of the two, Qball, Izzie, SteveJo, Sock, Harry, DY, but Sandgren’s nowhere to be seen.
Dan Markowitz · February 2, 2018 at 4:43 am
Possibly Nishikori v Mac Mac finals in Dallas. That would be a very interesting match w/ both players having serious wheels.
catherine · February 2, 2018 at 7:29 am
Poor Genie – out in 2 to Wang in Taiwan 6-0 FS
(actually I’m really beginning to feel sorry for her – 121 and falling – can’t be a happy time)
catherine · February 2, 2018 at 9:26 am
Hartt – what are you feeding your Petra plant with ?
catherine · February 2, 2018 at 9:48 am
Ostspenkó’s mother looked as if she was about to burst into tears at her daughter’s performance – maybe she should start staying away.
Scoop would’ve called that a tank 🙂
Joe Blow · February 2, 2018 at 10:54 am
The ball kids at the Dallas challenger are all 40 years or older. Must be a school day. Optic is kinda funny
britbox · February 2, 2018 at 11:19 am
Oh please…stop the hysterics. Like Fox News and the KKK are somehow interlinked…
catherine · February 2, 2018 at 11:45 am
The dancing girls in St Petersburg are something to behold 🙂
catherine · February 2, 2018 at 12:22 pm
Caro out to Kasatkina – AO hangover ?
Scoop Malinowski · February 2, 2018 at 12:31 pm
Scoop Malinowski writes:
So everyone that watches Fox News is an alt right nutjob? That's an interesting opinion to put out here. Conservatives are not nut jobs though the left will try to smear that defamation on people with alternative views and opinions to their own. I can assure you Sandgren is not a nutjob.
Scoop Malinowski · February 2, 2018 at 12:36 pm
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Britbox, that's how irrational the left is, they are so desperate to slander conservatives that they fabricate and cry racism. But it doesn't work anymore.
catherine · February 2, 2018 at 12:37 pm
Please please please can we get off this and stick to tennis ?
I thought this was all over.
Sandgren isn’t even playing. Every time it seems we’re steering clear of politics someone drags us back there. And these arguments are of little interest to those outside the US.
Scoop Malinowski · February 2, 2018 at 1:20 pm
Scoop Malinowski writes:
You're right Catherine, when somebody posts an idiotic comment about linking Sandgren to KKK I will just delete that nonsense from now on.
Hartt · February 2, 2018 at 1:26 pm
I was so happy that Dasha got the win.
On another topic, Shapo just played a terrific Davis Cup match in Croatia against Galovic, who played pretty well himself, certainly well above his ranking of around 180.
Denis moved well on the clay and then was able to play “his” style of tennis. His lefty topspin shots and the acute angles he can generate were on full display. He played well at the net, moving in easily and then making some excellent volleys. Denis won in SS – 6-4, 6-4, 6-2.
In the first match, an ill Pospisil had to fill in for an injured Polansky, and lost in 4 sets to Coric. Cilic did not play today, needed more time to acclimatize after the AO, but could play the doubles tomorrow as well as a singles match on Sunday.
Scoop Malinowski · February 2, 2018 at 1:27 pm
Scoop Malinowski writes:
De minaur was incredible last night to fight Zverev to the fifth set. Zverev was blasting the kid off the court in the first set bu the kid resisted three set points and finally lost the set 5-7. In the beginning it looked like a possible 61 62 62 rout for Zverev but that kid is something special. The biggest surprise was Norrie beating Agut in Marbella on red clay from two sets down. Another surprise is Capn Courier has abandoned his suit for more casual attire. Croatia vs Canada is interesting clash of two top Davis Cup nations. Japan missing it's two best players is battling 1-1 vs Italy with Fognini and Seppi. Querrey lifted USA to 1-0 vs Djere but now Isner has to beat Lajovic who he has lost to before.
Hartt · February 2, 2018 at 2:36 pm
Canada is at a big disadvantage in this DC tie against Croatia. Raonic, of course, was injured during the off season and is using this time to try to get his fitness up because he lost so much training time. So he is not playing. Cilic, now ranked No. 3, did not play today, but will be available for the doubles tomorrow and a singles match on Sunday. Pospisil is still recovering from a virus and Polansky was supposed to play today, but was injured and Vasek had to step in.
Denis is playing well and Canada has a slight chance in the doubles. But, overall, things aren’t looking good.
Dan Markowitz · February 2, 2018 at 5:27 pm
Player of the Week: how about Stephane Robert of France!!! The dude is pulling up to 38 years old, makes Fed look young, and he just reached the Burnie Challenger finals in Aussie beating Scoop’s proposed top-tenner, Nishioka, in the semis. Robert is so old he turned pro almost in the last century, 2001. He’s one of like five French players over the age of 35, still playing the pro tour, Mahut, Mathieu, Guez and Benneteau and Robert enter this tournament was ranked no. 210.
Geez, the Iz-Monster had to go to a 5th set breaker to win Davis Cup match vs Lajovic, who’s no. 84. Izzie is no. 18 now, and at 32 one of 10 guys in the top 20.
Scoop Malinowski · February 2, 2018 at 5:42 pm
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Hartt; It's unbelievable by the mature, perfect way Shapovalov conducts himself on the court now that just a year ago he fired that ball out of anger at the chair umpire's head. Gotta give the kid a lot of credit for completely transforming his court character from frustrated maniac to the blonde Nadal. Can't think of another player who changed so much so quickly. Even Agassi took about a decade to shed his punk image to become the saint like figure he is now. Credit to Shapovalov for doing it in a matter of months or weeks.
Scoop Malinowski · February 2, 2018 at 5:43 pm
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Raonic has dropped off the ATP radar. His chances of winning a major now look about equal to those of Karlovic or Isner or Janowicz. He was so close. Be nice to see him prove me way wrong.
Scoop Malinowski · February 2, 2018 at 5:47 pm
Scoop Malinowski writes:
Dan, is Marc Gicquel still out there grinding? Robert is an interesting case, he's more relevant than Robredo and Jurgen Melzer who refuse to hang it up. Isner has played a lot of marathons with Lajovic and today was just another chapter of the same old story. Certain players like Lajovic and Kohlshreiber and Johnson can play Isner super tough.
Duke Carnoustie · February 2, 2018 at 5:47 pm
Catherine
What’s this about dancing girls?
Hartt · February 2, 2018 at 6:45 pm
Scoop, Shapo used to show anger on the court but he was no maniac. He did not fire the ball at the ump’s head, but was trying to hit it into the crowd – which is itself a stupid thing to do. But there is complete agreement that it was an accident. Denis was truly horrified at what he had done, and vowed that he would never do anything like that again, and he hasn’t. He apologized personally to the ump, and they even remain in touch.
Denis has said that his team (presumably mainly coach Laurendeau) has worked a lot with him on the mental side of tennis, and that he has matured a lot. You can see that with his on-court behaviour. He still shows emotion, usually positive, and his excitement, which I know are qualities that you expound.
He shows a lot of mental toughness when he plays. He can hit a couple poor shots or even have a poor game, but does not get rattled, and quickly puts that behind him to move on to the next point. If he hits a poor volley he will immediately try another volley if he thinks that is the right shot. He is a courageous young player.
There are still many ways Denis can improve his game, but he works hard, and has real self-confidence. I am looking forward to watching him this season.