By Erik Gudris | @ATNTennis | Friday August 4, 2023
Taylor Fritz and Andy Murray, in an anticipated match delayed by yesterday’s rain out, lived up to their marquee billing in a stellar meeting at the ATP 500 event in Washington, D.C.
After over three hours of captivating play, it was top seeded Fritz who prevailed 6-7(2), 6-3, 6-4 to reach the Mubadala Citi DC Open quarterfinals.
This match had all the makings of a great encounter and it certainly lived up to it, and could well have implications for both men heading into the US Open in a few weeks time.
Current World No. 9 Fritz, fresh off winning the Atlanta title last week, is looking to establish himself as a potential contender for his nation’s major. As for Murray, a former US Open champion himself, his steady climb back up the rankings this year has included several close heartbreaking losses. A stellar week in D.C. for the current World No. 44 Murray could have well put him on the path to a potential seeding in New York.
Early on it definitely seemed that Murray just might well have the winning formula against Fritz.
Fritz broke early to start the opening set, that was briefly disrupted by a climate change protestor. Yet a defiant Murray denied his American opponent the chance to open a double break lead in the third game. While Murray began reading Fritz’s serves better, the top seed eventually found himself serving for the set up 5-4.
In the next game, Murray saved two set points against him. From there, Murray showed off deft touch from his forehand to eventually break back for 5-all.
Later on, with “Let’s go Andy!” chants coming from the crowd, eventually, a tiebreak was needed to decide the set.
Murray, with solid play that included several potent forehand winners, went on to take the set 7-6(2).
Fritz reset in the second set and earned an early break to get him back in the match. The American, looking more assured in the rallies, eventually aced his way into a deciding set against Murray.
The final set proved too close to call as both men used power and touch to move each around the court.
Yet with both men tied at 4-all, Fritz found his opening.
Fritz, with help from two Murray unforced errors, and then a double fault found himself at 0-40 on Murray’s serve. Fritz eventually broke to serve for the match.
Murray would make one last stand in the final game. With help from a Fritz forehand error and then with his own perfect drop shot winner, Murray held 0-40 and three break points.
Yet Fritz responded by saving the first two break points, and then denying the third with an ace. After several deuce points, Fritz eventually got himself to match point. With a forehand winner hit behind Murray, it was Fritz who was finally able to celebrate the empathic three set win.
Fritz, due to yesterday’s rain out, will now face Jordan Thompson of Australia later tonight in the quarterfinals.
Photo Source: TTV