Taylor Fritz will play in the semi-final on his ATP Finals debut in Turin. Taylor defeated Rafael Nadal in the first match and lost a thriller to Casper Ruud. The American faced Felix Auger-Aliassime in the decisive round-robin encounter and scored a 7-6, 6-7, 6-2 triumph in two hours and 44 minutes. Thus, Fritz will face Novak Djokovic in the semi-final, seeking his first victory over a 21-time Major champion. Auger-Aliassime stood two points from losing in straight sets in the second set tie break before prevailing and forcing a decider. Still, it was all we saw from him after losing ground in the final set to propel Fritz through. The American had 23 winners and 22 unforced errors, dominating from the baseline and outplaying the Canadian in the mid-range exchanges. Taylor lost only 17 points behind the initial shot, fending off all three break chances and keeping the pressure on the other side.
Taylor Fritz will face Novak Djokovic in the ATP Finals semi-final.
Felix stayed in touch until 2-2 in the decider before dropping four straight games to hit the exit door. Both players hit the zone behind the initial shot right from the start, with 12 commanding holds in the opening set and an inevitable tie break. Felix missed a routine backhand to fall 4-2 behind and sent a forehand long at 4-6 to hand the opener to Taylor after an hour. The Canadian forced the rival’s mistake in the second set’s second game for break chances. Fritz denied three with quick points and avoided the setback. It was the only loose service game of the set, and they pushed hard behind the serve to introduce the second tie break after an hour and 54 minutes.
Taylor forged a 4-2 advantage with a forehand winner before Felix bounced back and earned a set point with a well-constructed attack at 5-5. Auger-Aliassime converted it with a forehand crosscourt winner to force a decider and gain a massive boost. Taylor made a fresh start and held at love at 2-2 in the final set. The American pushed hard on the return in the next one and created four break chances. The Canadian saved the first three before spraying a forehand mistake on the fourth to find himself 4-2 behind. Felix served to stay in the match at 2-5 and got broken for the second time to propel Taylor over the finish line and into the semi-final.