Taylor Fritz has already sped past his 2016 ranking goal. The youngest man in the Top 100 realized a double dream in Stuttgart this week.
The 18-year-old Fritz, who pushed world No. 3 Roger Federer to three sets before bowing yesterday, also played doubles with former No. 4 Juan Martin del Potro at the Mercedes Cup.
More: Federer Tops Fritz For Milestone Win
Playing with and against Grand Slam champions he grew up looking up to, gave Fritz a flashback to his elementary school days.
"It's amazing being able to play (Federer), because growing up, Federer was the guy that nobody could beat," Fritz said in Stuttgart. "I grew up in that generation of him just dominating, so it's crazy now to be stepping on the court with him.
"I remember I was in fifth grade in my computer class. We were supposed to be doing some kind of assignment and I was live streaming the US Open final, Federer versus [Juan Martin] del Potro [in 2009]. Sitting there then, I never thought that at the same tournament I'd be playing against Federer and playing doubles with del Potro."
Ranked No. 941 after the 2015 US Open, Fritz turned down a college scholarship to turn pro last season.
The 65th-ranked American has zoomed past his pre-season ranking goal for this season: To be ranked high enough to earn entry into the 2016 US Open qualifying draw.
"Six or seven months ago, I was like 900 in the world. Like that's just insane," Fritz says in this video interview with Unscriptd, Andre Agassi's media project. "I only set the goal being Top 100 after I finished last year about 170. I'm amazed I've done it this quickly. I'm so happy with myself, but I want to keep pushing and set more goals for myself."
One goal he won't be realizing soon is buying his "dream car", the Audi R8, Fritz promised himself as a reward if he cracked the Top 100 this season. The car retails for about $163,000.
"Now that I'm here I'm like I don't think I'm gonna get it," Fritz said. "I want it, but I think it's not financially the best thing for me to do. When I set (the goal) obviously I was like there's no way I'll get to the Top 100, I'm 900 in the world right now, it's just not gonna happen. Just to give you an idea of how crazy it is from my perspective to be here."
Photo credit: Mercedes Cup