The start of Taylor Fritz’s 2026 ATP season has not gone to plan.
Ahead of his opening match at the United Cup – a tournament he won alongside Coco Gauff in 2025 – Fritz admitted that he was dealing with ‘pretty serious tendonitis’ in his knee.
The American, ranked sixth on the ATP Tour, was then stunned by Argentina’s Sebastien Baez in his United Cup opener. Baez did not perform particularly well in 2025, failing to win consecutive matches over a period of six months.
Fortunately for Fritz, Coco Gauff won her singles match and paired with Christian Harrison to win the tie-clinching contest against Argentina.
Following the result, American captain Michael Russell revealed how Fritz was coping physically following his shocking loss to Baez.
Michael Russell says Taylor Fritz’s knee is a ‘little sore’
Russell will have been mightily pleased that his team were able to rally against Argentina after being on the brink of losing.
However, there will be understandable concern regarding the physical fitness of Taylor Fritz.
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Speaking to reporters after the match, Russell said: “It’s a little sore, his knee. He’s coming off the off-season and was mostly focusing on recovery and rehab, but I mean, it’s part of the sport.
“You play three sets. It’s going to be physical. At the end of the day, then you just assess how you feel afterwards. We’ll see tomorrow.
“Hopefully he’ll be ready to go on Monday.”
America will play Spain in their final group stage match at the United Cup. If fit, Fritz will play world number 33 Jaume Munar, who was a key figure in Spain’s run to the 2025 Davis Cup final.
Fritz won his only match to date against the Spaniard. At the 2022 Indian Wells Masters, Fritz won a close contest 6-4, 2-6, 7-6.
Who could replace Taylor Fritz?
If Taylor Fritz were to be unavailable for his next match, it would represent a huge blow for the American team.
If that scenario plays out, the American squad will need to call upon world number 114 Mackenzie McDonald [picture below].
McDonald, 30, is an ATP Tour veteran. The 30-year-old, who achieved a career high ranking of 37 in 2023, made his ATP Tour debut at the age of 18 when he qualified for the 2013 Cincinnati Open.
What is your bold prediction for the 2026 tennis season?
Coco Gauff, as she often is, could end up being the talismanic figure at this year’s United Cup regardless of Taylor Fritz’s availability.
If Fritz is unavailable, the American team will need to lean on her experience of winning the tournament 12 months ago.
Gauff, who defeated Solana Sierra 6-1, 6-1 in her opening United Cup match, is set to play Jessica Bouzas Maneiro next.
