Fritz Flies Past Opelka Into Miami Round of 16

By Richard Pagliaro | Sunday, March 22, 2026
Photo credit: BNP Paribas Open Facebook

Long-time buddies Taylor Fritz and Reilly Opelka shared small talk before walking out onto Hard Rock Stadium Court.

Fritz invoked the last word on first serve.

In a clash of ATP ace leaders, Fritz won 29 of 31 first-serve points dismissing Opelka 6-3, 6-4 to charge into the Miami Open round of 16.

The 2025 semifinalist Fritz did not face a break point and won 11 of 15 second-serve points in a 63-minute triumph, his sixth win in seven meetings with Opelka.

The 2024 US Open finalist Fritz will play Jiri Lehecka for a quarterfinal spot.

The 21st-seeded Lehecka stopped American Ethan Quinn 6-3, 7-6(6).

The 28-year-old Fritz walked onto stadium court seeking to snap a three-match losing streak to fellow Americans, while knowing a loss meant he would lose his spot as American No. 1.

Though Opelka had not been broken in the tournament, Fritz targeted the 6’11” Opelka’s forehand wing drawing a netted forehand to break for 3-1.

Fritz won eight of his last nine service points in the first set to snatch a one-set lead after 25 minutes. Fritz committed just three unforced errors, 14 fewer than Opelka, in the opening set.

Slapping a running forehand strike down the line helped Fritz hold to level the second set after four games.

Opelka stayed in step on serve until the seventh game when he couldn’t quite pull off a drop shot attempt and Fritz converted his fourth break point to break for 4-3.

Torching heavy serves, Fritz again won eight of his last nine service points in the second set, pumping an ace to close in 63 minutes.