Taylor Fritz reacts after Stefanos Tsitsipas goes out of the Australian Open in the first round

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Taylor Fritz has made it safely through to the second round of the Australian Open, dropping just five games against his returning compatriot Jenson Brooksby.

Fritz reached his first major final at the US Open last year, before losing to world number one Jannik Sinner.

As a result of his recent success, Fritz is at a career-high ranking of world number four and is one of the biggest contenders for the men’s singles title at the Australian Open this year.

The American will have been pleased to have avoided a lengthy opener in Melbourne, with Fritz playing as many five set matches as anyone this decade.

Despite Fritz making the start that you would expect from a seeded player, that has not been the case for everyone at the Australian Open.

Taylor Fritz reacts to Stefanos Tsitsipas’ first round exit at the Australian Open

Stefanos Tsitsipas is already out of the Australian Open, having lost in the first round to young American Alex Michelsen.

The world number 11 is the second highest ranked casualty in the men’s singles draw at the Australian Open so far, with Grigor Dimitrov also exiting the tournament via retirement.

When in his post-match press conference, Fritz was asked about whether top seeds like Tsitsipas being knocked out changes his perspective going forward in the tournament.

“No, I mean, upsets happen,” answered Tsitsipas. “To be honest, he was playing Michelsen, who I think is a really tough unseeded player, has a good matchup, has a good game to play Stef.

“I don’t think like a major, major upset. I don’t know. There’s lots of really strong unseeded players in the tournament. I see tough matches everywhere. I just focus on what’s in front of me.”

How does Stefanos Tsitsipas’ exit affect Taylor Fritz’s Australian Open draw?

Fritz has been backed by compatriot Coco Gauff to continue his rise in 2025, with the 27-year-old seeded to reach the semi-finals at the Australian Open for the first time.

Tsitsipas could have been a potential semi-final opponent for Fritz, but the Greek would have had to overcome world number one Jannik Sinner to make it that far.

Before Fritz can even look that far, he may face a third round match against inform veteran Gael Monfils, who is coming off the back of a title and a five set victory over Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.

Next up for Fritz is former top 20 ranked player Cristian Garin, with the second round match taking place on Thursday January 16.