Match point was physical break point for Taylor Fritz.
In an all-American clash, Fritz fought off buddy Frances Tiafoe—and a case of crippling cramps that sent him crashing to the court as he tried to celebrate.
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The 20th-seeded Fritz crashed Tiafoe's 24th birthday party with a 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(5) victory for his fourth straight trip to the Australian Open third round. Tiafoe responded by giving his friend a helping hand to scrape him up off the court.
Serving for the third round at 5-4, Fritz double faulted on his first match point and Tiafoe took advantage breaking to level the third set after 10 games.
Down 4-5 in the tiebreaker, Fritz was two points from a fourth set when he unloaded. Fritz fired a diagonal forehand off the the line then used a Tiafoe error for a second match point.
Running left, Fritz blasted a running backhand winner down the line and raised his arms in celebration before cramps struck sending the lanky American falling to the court where he clutched at the bottom of his foot.
Tiafoe, who had called for the trainer in the second set to treat his cranky serving shoulder, trotted around the net post to help his friend to his feet.
The 24-year-old Fritz beat Tiafoe for the third time in four meetings.
Contesting his 22nd major, Fritz has not dropped a set yet and will play for his first Grand Slam round of 16 against Roberto Bautista Agut.
The 15th-seeded Spaniard broke serve seven times dismissing Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-1, 6-0, 6-3 to roll into the third round for the sixth time.
Photo credit: Getty