Taylor Fritz kicked off his 2024 ATP Finals campaign in Turin with a commanding victory over Daniil Medvedev, cruising to a straight-sets win that highlighted both his skill and mental composure. The American, ranked world No. 6, posted a 6-4, 6-3 victory over the 2021 US Open champion in their opening match of the year-end event. Medvedev, widely regarded as one of the trickiest opponents on tour, found himself overwhelmed by Fritz’s consistent play and struggled with self-inflicted errors that punctuated a frustrating performance.
The opening set showcased both players’ strong service games, as neither offered break point chances in the early stages. Fritz, known for his powerful serve and aggressive baseline game, matched Medvedev’s intensity, with neither man willing to concede ground. However, the equilibrium was shattered in dramatic fashion at 4-5, 30-15 on Medvedev’s serve. The Russian, typically solid under pressure, inexplicably double-faulted three times in a row, handing Fritz the break and, with it, the first set.
Medvedev’s frustration boiled over after the set, earning him a warning for smashing his racket. Despite the setback, the world No. 4 attempted to reset in the second set. However, Fritz’s relentless pace and clever shot selection kept the Russian off balance. The pivotal moment came at 3-2 in the second set when Fritz, using a touch of fortune, mishit a forehand that lobbed over Medvedev and landed in for a winner, securing a crucial break. Medvedev’s composure unraveled further after this stroke of bad luck, leading to a noticeable dip in his intensity.
As the match progressed, Medvedev’s frustration manifested in a series of costly errors and penalties. After losing the first set, he was handed a point penalty for smashing his racket again, damaging a courtside microphone in the process. His erratic behavior continued; at one point, while waiting to return serve, he held his racket upside down by the head, a bizarre sight that underscored his mental struggles on court.
Fritz, meanwhile, refused to let his opponent’s antics distract him. Serving at 4-2, 40-0, the American remained locked in, firing off a series of powerful serves to hold comfortably. Medvedev managed to hold his next service game, but the damage had already been done. Fritz maintained his focus and closed out the match with authority, securing one of the most impressive wins of his season.
This victory marked a milestone for Fritz, who recorded his 50th win of the year. Only Alexander Zverev (66 wins), Jannik Sinner (65), and Carlos Alcaraz (52) have surpassed that tally in 2024, underscoring the American’s consistency and growth this season. Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Fritz reflected on the unique challenge of facing a visibly frustrated opponent.
“I was able to grind through some long rallies or get some free points,” Fritz said. “I felt like I needed to hold that game at 4-2 in the second set. But I definitely believed he would reset and give his all to break me at 5-3, so I had to remind myself not to relax and assume he was done. It’s easy to let your guard down when you see your opponent losing composure. I kept telling myself to stay focused and play a solid game. Thankfully, I was able to serve really well to close it out.”
Fritz’s ability to maintain his focus amidst Medvedev’s outbursts was a testament to his mental strength—a critical asset in the high-stakes atmosphere of the ATP Finals. He will next face Alex de Minaur and Jannik Sinner in round-robin play, two formidable opponents who have also enjoyed strong seasons. Sinner and de Minaur are set to face off later on Sunday evening, adding further intrigue to what promises to be a thrilling week of competition in Turin.
This win not only boosts Fritz’s chances of advancing in the tournament but also serves as a statement victory over one of the game’s elite players. Medvedev, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly to avoid an early exit. His uncharacteristic errors and lack of composure could prove costly in a format that rewards consistency and resilience.
Fritz’s impressive performance in his opening match offers a glimpse of his potential to challenge the sport’s top names. As the year-end event unfolds, all eyes will be on whether the American can build on this momentum and secure a deep run in Turin.