Taylor Fritz has confirmed Alexander Zverev as his favorite rival! The American and the German met in the quarter-final of the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, with Taylor earning a 6-3, 6-4 victory in an hour.
World no. 4 defeated world no. 3 for the seventh straight time, although this is not an official match, remaining on the title course and arranging the semi-final duel against world no. 1, Carlos Alcaraz.
Fritz fired eight aces and made a difference with his first serve. He denied all three break points in the only troubled service game and mounted the pressure on the other side.
Zverev suffered an early loss at the Shanghai Masters and failed to raise his level in Riyadh. He served at 82% but failed to gain the advantage of that. The German played against four break points and experienced one break in each set to hit the exit door.
Taylor made a reliable start and stole the rival's serve in the second game of the duel. He held in the next one for 3-0 and provided a hold at love two games later for a 4-1 advantage.
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The American denied three break points in the fifth game, surviving the only scare behind the initial shot and remaining in front. Fritz served for the opener at 5-3 and held at love with a smash winner.
World no. 4 provided five comfortable holds in the second set and kept the pressure on the other side. Taylor secured a break in the third game and moved closer to the finish line.
Fritz delivered four commanding holds, sealing the deal with an ace at 5-4 and moving into the last four.
