By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Saturday June 29, 2024
The American became the first player to win three titles at Eastbourne with his victory over Max Purcell in the final.
Photo Source: TTV
Taylor Fritz plus Eastbourne equals titletown.
The American became the first player to ever win the title three times at the seaside event, defeating Max Purcell in the final 6-4, 6-3 for his eighth career title on Saturday.
For his efforts, Fritz will return to his perch as the top-ranked American male in Monday’s ATP rankings, leapfrogging Tommy Paul, who held the spot last week for the first time.
“I don’t know what it is,” Fritz said. “Something about this place. First title, third title, now eighth, I really love it.”
Fritz lost just ten points on serve against the 94th-ranked Aussie, and never faced a break point. The American didn’t drop a set all week and lost just six first-serve points across his semifinal and final rounds.
“I’ll definitely say this might be the best I’ve ever served on grass, for sure,” he said.
26-year-old Fritz, who has now claimed multiple titles on tour for the third consecutive year, improves to 31-12 on the season.
He will face Christopher O’Connell of Australia in his first match at Wimbledon.
Purcell, who was bidding for his maiden ATP title, will face Otto Virtanen in round one at Wimbledon. The 26-year-old Aussie is projected to rise to No.68 in the rankings after coming through qualifying to reach the final.