They are close friends since juniors, both ranked within five spots in the ATP rankings and are 2-2 career in ATP head to head matches. Taylor Fritz vs Tommy Paul in the Delray Beach Open final will be an interesting All American final.
Both have hovered for at their ranking station for about the last year, Fritz at 9, Paul at 14. Fritz has won six career ATP singles titles, Paul just won his second title last week in Dallas. Both are 26. Paul has won seven matches in a row.
Yesterday Paul cruised by no. 15 Frances Tiafoe 62 62, and now leads their head to had 3-1. Paul said after, “I feel like I came out playing really well from the jump and I was able to maintain my level throughout the whole match. That’s obviously super difficult with a guy as talented as Frances is. He can change the match so quickly, so that was the goal, to keep my momentum going throughout the whole match and I think I did a pretty good job. Maybe [it gives me] a little more confidence to go after those shots on break point or deuce points, that always helps. Confidence is huge in this sport and obviously I’m playing well right now. Today I think I played one of the best matches of the year, if not the past two years, because I didn’t miss too many balls today.”
Fritz defeated Marcos Giron, who played the Dallas final last week vs Paul, 76 62.
Paul edged Fritz in a third set tiebreaker a year ago in Acapulco. It will be an important final to see which American, if not both, will make a strong push into the ATP elite top 5 in 2024.
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