Taylor Fritz was incredibly happy with one aspect of his game as he confirmed his place in the Japan Open.
Fritz has become the frontrunner to compete with Alcaraz and Sinner, and his win over Jenson Brooksby earned him a match with the World No. 1 in the Japan Open final.
The American has also defeated Gabriel Diallo, Nuno Borges, and Sebastian Korda to earn his first ATP Tour final since the Eastbourne Open in June.
Fritz admitted that he was ‘outplayed’ by Brooksby in the semi-final, but confirmed the one part of his game that had earned him the victory.
Taylor Fritz says his serve was the reason for his China Open win
Fritz defeated his compatriot in straight sets, but the match was not as simple as the scoreline would have you believe.
Brooksby impressed in his first ATP 1000 semi-final, but Fritz’s serve managed to carry him through for the victory.
Speaking on-court after his match, Fritz explained the reason for his latest victory. “Honestly, just by [serve] botting. I served insanely well: High percentage first serves and spots too.
“It felt like any game that I didn’t hit three aces, he was really outplaying me from the baseline. I was able to hang in on my serve, and then capitalise on that scoreboard pressure. My serve got me through it.”
Fritz will play Alcaraz for the second time in 10 days, after the American defeated the World No. 1 at the Laver Cup.
Taylor Fritz is outshining Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner since Roland Garros
Fritz goes under the radar due to the Grand Slam-winning efforts of Sinner and Alcaraz, but the American has been incredibly impressive since the Roland Garros in May.
Fritz’s win percentage in 2025 is 72.6%, which can only be beaten by Novak Djokovic, Jack Draper, Sinner, and Alcaraz.
Additionally, the American has picked up 32 wins since Roland Garros, more than anyone else on the ATP Tour.
Fritz is quietly taking 2025 by storm, and his third career final at the Japan Open is a testament to his powers on the court this year.
