World number 4 Taylor Fritz is serious in Melbourne! The previous year’s Australian Open quarter-finalist has advanced to the third round in the season’s first Major, having conceded only eight games in the initial six sets!
The American played against Cristian Garin in the second round on Margaret Court Arena and achieved a decisive victory of 6-2, 6-1, 6-0 in just 82 minutes. The favorite served eight aces and lost 16 points in his matches. Fritz encountered no break points and maintained the pressure on his opponent.
A qualifier would be unable to reach those figures or even approach them! Garin lost more than half of the points in his matches and experienced seven breaks from seven chances given by the world no. 4.
Fritz struck 24 winners and made 20 unforced errors, capitalizing on more than 30 unforced mistakes from his light opponent. The American excelled in the brief exchanges and outperformed the Chilean in the longer ones, quickly rising to the top.
Taylor secured four comfortable holds in the first set and won two return games. The US Open finalist secured the third game of the first set with a forehand winner and advanced into the return in the following game.
Garin failed to convert a game point and hit a straightforward forehand into the net on the second break point, trailing 3-1. The American delivered strong performances in games five and seven for a 5-2 lead. The world number four initiated another effort on the return during the eighth game.
He hit a volley winner at the net for a break at love, taking the first set 6-2 in 28 minutes. Fritz replicated that performance in the second set, cruising through his service games and breaking his opponent’s serve twice.
Cristian wasted two game points in the second set and made a backhand mistake, resulting in a lost serve and a deficit. Taylor delivered stronger performances in the fourth match, capitalizing on the opponent’s error and securing a break at love for a 4-0 advantage.
The American hit a powerful winner in game seven, establishing a 6-2, 6-1 advantage in 58 minutes and approaching the conclusion. Garin slipped in the third set and became exhausted on the court. He made a double fault in the opening game and lost his serve.
The world number 4 came back from 0-40 in the third game and secured another break to lead 3-0. Fritz took a 4-0 lead with a powerful forehand shot. Continuing on, Taylor hit a forehand down the line for a winner in the fifth game, earning another break.
He served to win at 5-0 and hit an ace for a hold at 15, advancing to the last 32. The fourth-ranked player globally will compete against Gael Monfils in the third round, expected to be the favorite versus a seasoned player in good form.
