Since it was arguably the biggest and most interesting match of the month in professional tennis we may as well start a special discussion about last night’s blockbuster Frances Tiafoe vs Taylor Fritz showdown. The levels of intrigue about this clash of eighteen year old American titans are endless – from the physical and sociological aspects to the on court duel itself. It turned out to be an epic tactical battle eventually won again by Tiafoe who seems to have Fritz figured out. Tiafoe won 6-4 in the third for his fourth straight career head to head win vs Fritz who he first played and beat in the Eddie Herr 12s in Bradenton Florida. Surely these two future champions will meet many more times in the ATP and surely Fritz will draw motivation and inspiration from seeing Tiafoe’s fiery and passionate reaction after closing out his first match point with a brutal forehand crosscourt Tyson-like knockout punch. Tiafoe was the better man last night but you get the sense he will have to be even better next time. These two super talents will force the very best out of each other and uplift USA tennis to international excellence and glory once again.
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Scoop Malinowski · March 11, 2016 at 10:47 am
I was expecting Fritz to win because of how sky high his confidence is after his outstanding ATP successes so far this year but Tiafoe was up to the task and figured out how to handle Fritz which makes this victory all the more impressive – the quality of the tennis by these two was nothing short of sensational and spectacular – it’s exciting to anticipate what we are in store for –
Moskova Moskova · March 11, 2016 at 11:14 am
U cannot be serious…..tiafoe/fritz-mania is way too premature….let’s see a win over a tenner before striking up the band..
Good showdown between the chicks but not ready for primetime yet 😉
catherine bell · March 11, 2016 at 12:56 pm
Scoop –
I bow to your specialist knowledge of both players and of course I didn’t see the match itself, but was intrigued to see a comment on another site where the (obviously knowledgeable) poster noted how interesting it was to see Tiafoe and Fritz obviously showing great potential but playing an overall clunky and immature kind of match in terms of their overall level of skill.
That makes a kind of sense. ‘Titans’ maybe in the future but not yet ?
Or maybe I’m just so wary of premature expectation, based on the past.
In any case – fascinating how differently different people see and interpret the same match.
Andrew Miller · March 11, 2016 at 2:38 pm
It takes some time for the players to grow into their shoes for sure. I’d think Tiafoe is pleased to knock Fritz out in their first ATP match. I’m not enamored with any recent u.s. junior’s game save Kozlov with his smooth backhand, but I have seen some Tiafoe clip and he shares Sock’s ability for competing well during matches.
Whether he’s up for winning matches he shouldn’t is another matter, often alluded to, almost never fulfilled these days by non tenners as Moscovite would sat.
Martin G · March 11, 2016 at 4:17 pm
You can see it here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGC98T7erLc
I agree clunky and immature match.
Dan Markowitz · March 11, 2016 at 5:20 pm
How can you not be impressed by Tiafoe. He’s faster than lightening, has a big sneaky serve, very solid backhand and his forehand is quirky but dangerous. He’s the bigger prospect to me down the road than Fritz.
Jg · March 11, 2016 at 6:04 pm
If that was a clunky and immature match, then I am seeing a lot of those outside the top ten, I thought this was one of the more entertaining matches of the year, much more interesting than another joker Murray match or Federer beating up on anyone outside top 5. Maybe clunky is good, there are too many robots out there, at least Tiafoe is not one.
Jg · March 11, 2016 at 6:05 pm
Look at Jared Donaldson Popsicle match, snore
Scoop Malinowski · March 11, 2016 at 7:50 pm
Catherine: Every match even Fed vs Djokovic has some awkward clumsy points and shots – tension and great play by the opponent causes this unsychronicity – there was a lot at stake last night in terms of bragging rights – I saw two young titans who are far from full development and when they do physically and mentally mature and gain experience they will both achieve greatness in tennis –
Leif Wellington Haase · March 12, 2016 at 4:59 am
I saw the Fritz-Tiafoe match in person and was impressed by their relatively high caliber of play. Though it wasn’t his best effort Fritz didn’t perform badly and Tiafoe showed a lot of maturity to come through.
Tiafoe has improved his serve technically– it used to look almost like a pro volleyball serve and is now more orthodox and consistent– and he didn’t get visibly down on himself during his second set lull. Being mentally stronger helped him a lot. Fritz’s forehand uncharacteristically let him down at key points and he hit a couple of sloppy volleys. All in all though it was a pretty heady display on a big court by very young players who acquitted themselves well.
Lots of Americans of all ages– Kudla and Fratangelo looked good today in particular–(and young players from all over, Zverev and Hyeon Chung notably)doing well. I’m betting fifteen Americans in the top 100 by year’s end and it wouldn’t be crazy to take the over.
Scoop Malinowski · March 12, 2016 at 8:52 am
Leif: Tiafoe was the more fired up of the two – he wanted it more – in his mind he was the underdog despite the 3-0 head to head record vs Fritz as juniors – Now Fritz has the giant X on his back because of all the success and media attention he has gotten lately due to his ATP heroics – everyone of the young players are extra driven to prove to themselves they can beat Fritz – Fritz is suddenly a big target and actually not the young striving underdog coming up the ranks – he’s the annointed future king – will be interesting to see how he deals with this pressure and expectation – We saw what happened to Oudin/ Larcher De Brito/ Harrison/ Barty —
Bryan · March 12, 2016 at 8:13 pm
LOL that a ‘random draw’ led them to face each other in R1.
Fritz remains the better pro prospect. He’s got more tools, the big serve a wonderful backhand and the ability to switch from power to finesse games on a dime. Tiafoe stepped up in this match but he’s more of a gradual prospect whereas Fritz is shooting up now.
Bryan · March 12, 2016 at 8:21 pm
“Tiafoe was the more fired up of the two – he wanted it more – in his mind he was the underdog despite the 3-0 head to head record vs Fritz as juniors – Now Fritz has the giant X on his back”
Well said, Scoop. I was thinking the loss to Tiafoe was a mental issue. While Fritz has exploded on the ATP scene and Tiafoe has slumped recently, it’s still a mental hurdle for Fritz to beat Tiafoe since he was the alpha dog of the two in juniors.
In the overall ATP picture Fritz is the hotter prospect IMO. Their rankings today and 1 year from now will validate that. Once Fritz gets over the alpha dog issue he’ll drag Tiafoe most matches.
Scoop Malinowski · March 12, 2016 at 8:40 pm
Agreed Bryan – it’s odd how tennis works – certain players have certain players #s – an ex Pac 10 college player was telling about a guy who owned Querrey in juniors but was an average NCAA player – but this guy just totally owned Q Ball – Tarango owned Pistol Pete in juniors never lost to Pete but then Pete won their first clash as pros in Tokyo – funny business is tennis –
sharoten · March 13, 2016 at 4:50 am
http://www.tennistv.com/video/videoId/1qqwekm1xiydc1w4pyguy2p9tw/title/nadal—verdasco-hot-shot–atp-indian-wells-1r
Check out this Hot Shot from the Nadal/Verdasco v Bryan Bros match. Wowzers!
Scoop Malinowski · March 13, 2016 at 9:08 am
What a great doubles battle – Verdasco was choking at the end of the second set through the superbreaker and Rafa really REALLY wanted this win – Rafa was able to get it back to 8-8 despite Verdasco’s choking then Rafa double faulted at 8-8 and of course they lost the next point – Rafa really wanted and needed a win like this for his confidence which once again took another hit last night – the struggles and woes continue for Rafa – incredible display by Tiafoe vs Goffin he had two match points – the kid is a big time player and also loves the big time pressure atmosphere and he’s a clever competitor out there so natural and comfortable on the big stage – sky is the limit for Tiafoe –
Scoop Malinowski · March 13, 2016 at 9:34 am
Kozlov into $25k Futures final in Canada vs Lloyd Glasspool who beat Felix AA – Kozlov beat Peliwo in SF 75 75 –
Andrew Miller · March 13, 2016 at 1:01 pm
I was about to say no big deal about the K-ster, but it is. Nice work.
Agree with Dan here and Scoop actually. Two of the more pro-ready mens’ players from the U.S. in a while. We’ll see how well they prepare. Lots of upside and lots of downside also.
Upside – I like Tiafoe’s sneaky game – disguises where he’s going on a lot of his shots. And Fritz has a pretty nice return of serve that’s a good base to become a better one. Both have good serves, fairly complete ground game. Both are fast. A+ competitors. A lot to like. And for the U.S. game, supposedly their success is really pushing the U.S. mens players ahead of them (or, behind them) to train better (or else!).
Downside – a lot of shallow balls. Sometimes seemed very jv but I remember seeing Roddick I think vs Hewitt playing at a pretty young age and that was also a very jv match – they’re just kids and it’s probably even amazing to them, one minute they are doing homework and the next they are out there one on one at one of the world’s biggest tournaments. Tiafoe’s return game consists of a lot of chipping, which isn’t going to cut it. Fritz’ movement (not his speed) was problematic. Lots of things to smooth out and other u.s. players’ lack of improvement in those areas don’t make me confidant that they’ll get there.
no sure thing in tennis. Example – Giorgi may play like Agassi sometimes, but most of the time she doesn’t employ a strategy out there and we’re a few years into waiting for Giorgi somehow to develop a game she doesn’t have. There’s zero incentive for players to change a game that’s brought them so much success.
Andrew Miller · March 13, 2016 at 1:04 pm
Sorry to say though: NO DAVIS CUP FOR FRITZ FOR NOW. You have to beat your competitors to be considered for Davis Cup, you can’t drop a first round contest like that. And the U.S. isn’t a country that sends its challenger players to fight the big battles (that would be the United Kingdom-Scotland-Engliand, who somehow turns James Ward into Jimmy Connors).
Dan Markowitz · March 13, 2016 at 1:10 pm
C’mon Scoop, Nadal did clearly want to win that doubles match against the Bryans, but seriously, you think whether he won or not will affect his singles? I don’t think it matters one iota. I mean look at Sock, he’s playing doubles well, not so good singles.
Scoop Malinowski · March 13, 2016 at 1:19 pm
What I love about Tiafoe and Fritz — Tiafoe first – he has the brute intensity aura which conveys the strong signal – “Listen up world I am here to be a champion and nothing no how is gonna breaka my stride – nothing gonna break my spirit – Im here and you better get used to it because I’m here to STAY” – he has the movement the firepower the ability to battle with the big boys of the ATP already – without hardly any experience – I think he fuels somewhat off of emotional adrenaline sources too and it will be hard to maintain that super intensity that lifts his game match after match – will need to manufacture a big supply of emotional adrenaline – reminds of a young Courier in that he does not have the best looking strokes but somehow it all works —- Fritz is different – he has that easy power and California cool like Pete Sampras – the foundation is there with the serve and the baseline and the cool head that seems to thrive and excel under extreme pressure (cant teach that) – think he can upgrade the movement and also capitalize on that serve by adding serve and volley to the arsenal instead of just being a baseline slugger and counterpuncher – Can easily see both of these players holding up major title trophies – both have that natural shine and appearances of future super champions –
Scoop Malinowski · March 13, 2016 at 1:41 pm
I do think its vital for Rafa right now Dan he is desperate for sparks to bring back his A plus game – I saw signs that he really wanted to win and it was extra important – the whacked ball into the wall after a key miss – the clear annoyance at Verdasco’s hideous choking – the huge fist pumps after getting back into the winning position after all of Verdasco’s choking – then it all crashed on Rafa’s DF at 8-8 – Yes Dan I saw a desperate Rafa out there – he desperately needed this win on the big stage in a pressure cooker situation but again he failed when it counted most – not saying the win would have set him back on track to win clay masters series and Roland Garros but you never know it could have sparked the rejuvenation he is desperately searching for –
Scoop Malinowski · March 13, 2016 at 1:43 pm
Actually Sock isn’t playing so well in doubles lately he’s been better at singles – forget about the loss to Bernie ‘my favorite surface is grass’ Tomic in Davis Cup – I think Sock is ready for a good roll – Indian Wells and miami are very important for Sock with his big move to Nike and the big Babolat ad campaign – Sock has to produce right now –
Dan Markowitz · March 13, 2016 at 7:11 pm
Scoop, when has doubles really been important to Rafa. He’s never even played doubles in a slam as far as I can remember. I do think Tiafoe has that special killer instinct and presence already that puts him ahead of all the young Americans, including Fritz. Donaldson played well, but he’s a bit of a bore and milquetoast as a player.
Scoop Malinowski · March 13, 2016 at 7:29 pm
Dan I saw a lot of the match and Rafa was super intense and fired up – he surely wanted the W vs the Bryans – the signs of full fury and full intensity were clearly evident by Rafa who is desperate to regain / rebuild his lost aura of invincibility by any means – confidence can spark from any source including doubles or mixed doubles –
Andrew Miller · March 14, 2016 at 12:44 pm
As for the barometer of a U.S. masters as a better test of how well U.S. mens players are doing (the best test being of course, slams), the last U.S. players standing in round 3 are Sock, Querrey, Isner, Johnson.
I think to get the best sense you have to take into account Miami results as well.
Andrew Miller · March 14, 2016 at 12:46 pm
Nadal took out Muller, who once stole Roddick’s mojo.
Scoop Malinowski · March 14, 2016 at 1:17 pm
Gilles is still a force at age 32 – he’s a dangerous test for just about anybody – Rafa’s struggles continue – I just a practice video from IW by a facebook friend and it had Rafa serving to the ad court and he couldn’t get it in – five straight faults – he did not look like a top five ATP player at all –
Andrew Miller · March 14, 2016 at 2:26 pm
Dan would say Nadal is JV right now. Scoop, I think he is for now. He could get the magic back, but for now he is battling, winning more than he loses, but playing tennis somewhere around the top twenty versus top five.
To his credit he is playing through it. He hasn’t left the tour and has said he still wants in on the winners circle. He wins but also loses to players who two years ago couldn’t buy more than a few games off him. Now those matches are three setters.
But you can never count out Nadal getting his confidence back and finding his ground game out there.beating, for example, Verdasco in their rematch from a few months ago. That to nadal would be evidence of progress, probably fuel for a good Indian wells result like a semifinal.
Scoop Malinowski · March 14, 2016 at 2:26 pm
Kozlov wins $25k Futures in Canada 64 in third set vs Lloyd Glasspool –
Scoop Malinowski · March 14, 2016 at 3:08 pm
Nadal is not JV he’s a superstar in the midst of a tough slump – Nadal is one of the greatest players in the history of the sport – JV is not an acceptable word to describe any player in the ATP top 100 – It’s a demeaning term and discrediting – Dan should erase this word from his tennis vocabulary –
Dan Markowitz · March 15, 2016 at 7:00 am
Look is Nadal JV, I’m sorry,yes, he’s playing JV tennis right now. Granted IW this year has been strange wcMurray losing to Delbonis (btw) I’ve never seen a player hitch in his serve the way Delbo does), Frantangelo taking a set off of Djoko and Nadal struggling w Muller. Gilles is a rough player, but he’s the kind of player Rafa used to destroy. What’s happened to Rafa? Has his forehand lost its bite? Have the injuries made him slower? Is he breaking down quicker than most? Has he lost his confidence? This is the $64,000 question, but you look at a guy like Izzie who’s a year older than Nadal and he looks like he’s playing his best tennis now so it is strange. For Nadal, we’re seeing his JV brand of tennis right now.
Harold · March 15, 2016 at 10:50 am
If Nadal is JV, that would mean 90% of the players discussed on this board are on their 6th and 7th grade level.
Scoop Malinowski · March 15, 2016 at 11:27 am
Or kindergarten Harold – I don’t know why Dan persists in trying to discredit a legendary great of tennis who just happens to be on the down curve of his illustrious career – I doubt he did that to Spadea who I guess he would label his 95% career as jayvee 🙂
Andrew Miller · March 15, 2016 at 7:02 pm
JV is as apt as “journeyman” when referring to a lot of players. Unfortunately we’d run risk of a beat down as much as a chance to inspire a player like Mardy Fish to make an incredible run to the top ten. Call one of the currently down trodden u.s. players that and I’d think they’d opt for the beat down of the person asking the question rather than a Fish like run to distinction and career best effort and results.
Dan Markowitz · March 15, 2016 at 9:10 pm
Vince was never really ever on the varsity. He made a few cameo appearances so yes, he was mostly strictly JV. Scoop, we’re not dealing with a high school JV here, we’re dealing with a pro varsity and JV. It’s like someone here, I think Henk, calling Jarko Nieminem a great player. In the realm of tennis players he’s a great player. When comparing him just to pros, he’s a very good player, but not great. It’s all perspective. Nadal’s playing right now is his JV level compared to when he was captain of the varsity squad.
Moskova Moskova · March 15, 2016 at 10:28 pm
Dan, give nadal a break ! Lol
He’s in a slump and a shell of himself prlly due to withdrawal and being burnt out 😉
Scoop Malinowski · March 16, 2016 at 7:19 am
Anyone who gets a main draw entry into a grand slam event or masters series is an unbelievable warrior and a great tennis player who has survived years of battle tests and overcome tons of adversity and setbacks – to call these players jayvee is just silly inaccurate demeaning and ridiculous!!
catherine bell · March 16, 2016 at 9:08 am
Moskova – Nadal withdrawal from what are you suggesting ?
Not PEDs I hope. We’ve been there.