Taylor Fritz, currently in the final of the ATP Finals in Turin, has shared some intriguing thoughts on his rivals, highlighting the players he finds most challenging to face on the tennis circuit. With a spot in the final secured after a gritty 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(3) victory over Alexander Zverev, the World No. 9 reflected on the players he finds particularly difficult to face, shedding light on the mental and physical challenges that come with competing against some of the top names in tennis.
Fritz’s win over Zverev marked his fourth consecutive victory over the German, and while the match was hard-fought, it also sparked some interesting comments from both players regarding their respective rivalries. Following the match, Zverev admitted that Fritz makes him feel “uncomfortable” on court, acknowledging the American’s ability to make matches difficult for him. Zverev’s words led Fritz to think about the players he too struggles with, and he offered some candid insights into his experience against certain players on tour. While Fritz declined to elaborate on the specifics of his rivalry with Zverev, he revealed his thoughts on the players he finds especially challenging, offering a deeper look into his mindset as a top-level competitor.
When asked about his toughest matchups, Fritz was careful not to single Zverev out as either a “comfortable” or “uncomfortable” opponent. Instead, he characterized certain matchups as neutral, noting that the outcome often depends on several factors, including his form on the day and how he adjusts to his opponent’s playing style. “I wouldn’t say Sascha’s an uncomfortable or a comfortable matchup,” Fritz said of Zverev. “I’d say there are a lot of matchups where I feel pretty neutral, and it’s just going to depend on certain things.” For Fritz, his game is fluid, and while he doesn’t find Zverev particularly difficult, there are other players whose styles make him uneasy on court.
One such player, Fritz mentioned, is the reigning World No. 1, Carlos Alcaraz. The young Spaniard has been a dominant force in men’s tennis, and Fritz acknowledged the immense challenge that comes with facing him. Fritz recalled a high-level match at the Laver Cup where Alcaraz’s intensity and skill made the encounter feel nearly impossible to control. “Carlos (Alcaraz) is uncomfortable. When I played him at Laver Cup, it was really, really high level. Carlos had a really high level. It felt pretty unplayable. That didn’t feel good,” Fritz confessed. Alcaraz’s combination of speed, power, and mental toughness presents a significant challenge for anyone on the ATP Tour, and Fritz’s words reflect the difficulty of matching up against the Spanish sensation, who has already established himself as a force to be reckoned with.
Another name on Fritz’s list of uncomfortable opponents is Italy’s Jannik Sinner, with whom Fritz has had some notable encounters. Fritz described his US Open match against Sinner as “uncomfortable,” though he felt more at ease during their meeting earlier in the week. “US Open against Jannik (Sinner) was pretty uncomfortable. I felt not too uncomfortable in our match earlier this week. It felt fine.” This comparison highlights how match conditions, player form, and mindset can shift over time, influencing how players approach their rivalries. Although Sinner is a formidable opponent, particularly on hard courts, Fritz seemed to suggest that some encounters feel more manageable than others, depending on the situation.
Fritz also mentioned Australian Alex de Minaur, another player who gives him trouble on the court. De Minaur’s relentless speed and never-give-up attitude make him a tough opponent for many players, and Fritz admitted that he often finds himself uncomfortable when facing the Australian. “Demon (Alex de Minaur), pretty uncomfortable,” Fritz said, referring to his rivalry with the speedy Australian. It’s clear that de Minaur’s ability to chase down nearly every ball and maintain a high level of consistency is something that challenges Fritz’s game.
However, Fritz’s most candid remark came when he spoke about his winless record against Novak Djokovic, a player who has dominated the ATP Tour for over a decade. Fritz has yet to secure a victory over Djokovic, with a 0-10 head-to-head record against the Serbian legend. Fritz did not hesitate to admit the difficulty of facing Djokovic, describing their encounters as “pretty uncomfortable” due to the sheer dominance the 23-time Grand Slam champion has shown over him. “I think I’d have to say Novak is pretty uncomfortable being 0-10,” Fritz said with a hint of humor, acknowledging the tough task of overcoming Djokovic’s unmatched consistency, mental fortitude, and ability to elevate his game in the most critical moments. For Fritz, Djokovic remains one of the most challenging players to beat, and his struggles against the Serbian serve as a reminder of the mental and physical obstacles that come with trying to topple the greatest players in tennis history.
Yet, perhaps the most surprising mention from Fritz came when he spoke about Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka. Despite Nishioka not being ranked as high as some of the other players on Fritz’s list, the Japanese star has developed a unique style of play that has caused Fritz considerable trouble. “Oh, you know what is a weird one, is Yoshi (Nishioka) just owns me,” Fritz confessed. “I got him once, but he’s not fun for me to play.” Nishioka’s counterpunching style and ability to neutralize the power game of big hitters like Fritz have made their matchups uncomfortable for the American. Nishioka’s mental resilience and consistency have allowed him to find success against Fritz, and despite the American’s superior ranking, it is clear that Nishioka’s game presents a challenge that is tough to overcome.
As Fritz looks ahead to the final in Turin, where he will face either Jannik Sinner or Casper Ruud, his reflections on the players who have caused him discomfort serve as a reminder of the competitive nature of the ATP Tour. While Fritz has made significant strides in his career, securing a place in the final of one of the most prestigious tournaments on the calendar, he remains aware of the challenges posed by some of the game’s top players. Each matchup is a new opportunity for Fritz to test his skills and learn from the best, and his insights into his toughest rivals show the mental preparation required to compete at the highest level.