Just a year after making his ATP debut in 2015, an 18-year-old Taylor Fritz proposed to his high-school sweetheart, Raquel Pedraza, in front of the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris. This young love led to a quick wedding, and the couple welcomed their son, Jordan Fritz, in 2017. Balancing fatherhood with a burgeoning tennis career posed its unique challenges, especially as Fritz was widely regarded as a rising star in the tennis world, labeled a #NextGen star. His story reflects not only his dedication to his sport but also his commitment to being a present and involved father, a narrative that took on more prominence as Fritz’s career gained momentum.
Fritz’s early days in tennis weren’t without their hurdles. At a time when most 18-year-olds are entering college, he was already competing in professional tournaments. Starting his ATP career with a ranking of No. 1,141, he ended 2015 ranked No. 177—a remarkable leap for such a short time. By the end of 2016, his ranking had climbed to No. 77, and he earned the ATP Star of Tomorrow award, which honors the youngest player within the Top-100 rankings. However, even with these achievements, Fritz faced the significant challenge of balancing his growing career with the demands of being a young parent. Pedraza, whom Fritz married shortly after his proposal, was a major support during this period, helping him navigate the complexities of fatherhood alongside his professional obligations.
It was through Netflix’s 2023 docuseries *Break Point* that the world gained more insight into Fritz’s life as both a dedicated tennis player and father. But this wasn’t the first time Fritz spoke publicly about his ex-wife’s role in supporting his career and helping him manage parenthood. In a 2017 press conference at the Eastbourne Open, Fritz expressed his gratitude, stating, “My life really hasn’t changed too much because of how my wife has really stepped up. She’s really just doing everything she can for me and for my tennis.” This support allowed Fritz to pursue his dreams without compromising his responsibilities as a father, creating a foundation of understanding between the couple that carried through even after their divorce in 2019.
Despite their separation, Fritz and Pedraza have maintained an amicable co-parenting relationship, with both making efforts to ensure that Jordan feels loved and supported. In a 2022 interview with *Haute Living*, Fritz reflected on becoming a father at such a young age, admitting that it initially caused him some apprehension about how it might impact his tennis career. However, Pedraza’s unwavering support alleviated many of his concerns, and together, they found ways to prioritize both his career and their child’s well-being.
As Fritz’s career continued to soar, he remained committed to spending quality time with Jordan, even as his schedule became increasingly demanding. In *Break Point*, Fritz spoke candidly about the difficulties of being a devoted father while managing a busy travel schedule. “I have a son that I don’t get to see near as much as I’d like,” he shared. “As it stands right now, I just have to try to see him as much as I possibly can. I just hope as he gets older, he understands what I’m doing, and understands what I’m trying to do.” This glimpse into Fritz’s personal life underscored his determination to stay connected to his son, regardless of the demands of his career.
Interestingly, the 2020 quarantine period, which caused a standstill in the sports world, provided Fritz with a rare opportunity to slow down and reconnect with his son. In an interview with *Interview Magazine*, Fritz mentioned, “I took about a month off to just do nothing and I felt like I really needed that. I haven’t had time like that in five years. And when I say nothing, I mean that I wasn’t playing tennis or working out. Instead, I spent time being with my son, sleeping in, and playing video games.” This unexpected break allowed him to enjoy moments with Jordan that would otherwise have been impossible amidst his rigorous training and competition schedule.
Fritz’s social media presence also reflects his dedication to Jordan. In 2018, after a win at the Indiana Wells Open, he brought his son along to interact with fans, offering a glimpse into their close relationship. On Christmas 2020, he posted a heartfelt photo with Jordan on Instagram, capturing a joyful moment with his son proudly holding a new Hot Wheels set. Fritz’s dedication to fatherhood is not lost on Jordan, though it comes with the humor and innocence of a young child. In *Break Point*, Fritz shared a lighthearted moment, recounting how Jordan reacted to learning his dad wasn’t the best tennis player in the world. “He’s a little surprised and a little disappointed that I’m not the best,” Fritz admitted. “I guess I just need to keep improving so maybe at one point I can say, ‘Hey Jordan, I’m actually the best in the world.’”
Fatherhood, as Fritz noted in *Haute Living*, has been transformative, providing him with a unique perspective on life and teaching him essential lessons about prioritizing what truly matters. “Having a kid taught me a lot of lessons about time management. … It also taught me not to care so much about other people’s opinions. … I was always very concerned about how my career would be affected,” he shared. Fritz emphasized how he learned to tune out external judgments and focus on what he could control, finding balance in both his roles as a professional athlete and a father.
Since 2020, Fritz has been in a relationship with tennis influencer Morgan Riddle, a connection that he described as grounded in “common goals.” Their shared values seem to provide a solid foundation, and Fritz appears more focused than ever, balancing his career, relationships, and the responsibility of fatherhood with resilience and gratitude. His journey demonstrates that even as one of the top ATP players, family remains central to his identity, and he continues to navigate the demands of his career without compromising his relationship with his son.