Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz are set to contest a blockbuster Wimbledon semi-final on Friday.
Both players struggled during the early rounds at SW19, with Alcaraz needing five sets against Fabio Fognini and Fritz requiring the same against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and Gabriel Diallo.
Alcaraz comes into the contest searching for his third consecutive Wimbledon title, while Fritz is hoping to win his maiden Grand Slam title after his near-miss at the 2024 US Open.
It is no secret that Fritz has struggled against Alcaraz in the past, with the world number five admitting he ‘couldn’t do anything’ during one of their previous matchups.
However, a prominent coach in the development of Serena and Venus Williams’ careers has suggested Fritz ‘has a shot’ against the five-time Grand Slam champion.
Rick Macci says Taylor Fritz has a shot against Alcaraz ‘if he serves clutch and the magician get tight’
Rick Macci, who is credited with the early development of the Williams sisters out of Compton, California, weighed in on the upcoming Wimbledon semi-final.
Speaking on X [Twitter], he said: “Fritz game on grass is Taylor made. 5 titles and he has a shot against Carlos if he serves clutch and the magician get tight and maybe checks out for lunch.“
Macci isn’t wrong. Fritz has a history of success on grass, most recently winning his fourth Eastbourne Open title in June.
Fritz, who also won the Stuttgart Open two weeks before his Eastbourne triumph, recently offered his opinion when asked if grass is his best surface.
Speaking at his post-match press conference after the quarter-final, Fritz said: “I would say so [grass is my best surface].
“I’ve made obviously a semifinal now, two other quarterfinals at Wimbledon.
“I think it speaks a lot that half of my titles are on grass, given that grass is such a short part of the year compared to everything else.
“I think it would be dumb of me to say that grass isn’t my best surface.”
Macci also pinpointed a key area of weakness for Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard recently admitted that he struggled with his serve early in the tournament.
If these struggles return, Fritz may have an opportunity to capitalise.
How has Taylor Fritz fared against Carlos Alcaraz in the past?
It would be an understatement to say Fritz has found it difficult against the Spaniard during their previous meetings.
The pair have only met twice on tour, with Alcaraz dominating both occasions.
Their first meeting came at the Miami Open in 2023, with Alcaraz winning 6-4 6-2. Their second meeting, at the 2024 Laver Cup, painted a similar picture – Alcaraz won the contest 6-2 7-5.
Fritz will have to utilise his huge serve and forehand to stand a chance against the in-form Spaniard, who is on a 23-match winning streak.
In his quarter-final against Karen Khachanov, his weapons were on full display, serving 16 aces and winning 81 per cent of his first serve points.
