Taylor Fritz highlighted what contributed to his defeat in the Wimbledon quarter-finals.
The American equalled his best result at the All-England Club with a run to the last eight, and was confident in his chances of reaching the semi-finals.
But the 26-year-old came up against an inspired opponent in Lorenzo Muestti, who outlasted the 12th seed to become just the fourth Italian men’s singles semi-finalist in Wimbledon history.
For the fourth time in a row, Fritz failed to win a Grand Slam quarter-final and is left to rue what might have been as Musetti prepares to face Novak Djokovic in Friday’s semi-final.
What did Taylor Fritz say about his loss at Wimbledon?
Fritz took the lead against Musetti in Wednesday’s Court One contest, but was pegged back after the 25th seed edged the second set tiebreak.
A superb third set saw the 22-year-old take the lead but Fritz stormed back to take the fourth set after securing a break of serve in the eighth game to send the match into a decider.
But the American number one could not complete the comeback as he was overwhelmed by Musetti before losing 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-2, 3-6. 6-1 in three hours 27 minutes.
Fritz said he struggled with windy conditions and credited his opponent’s final set performance.
“I think it was a tough match. He played well on some really big points and I didn’t serve as well as I probably needed to or as well as I have been,” Fritz told reporters during his post-match press conference.
“But it was pretty windy today so I felt like it was tough to get that rhythm, timing or feel because it would constantly change every time I switched sides. But he played especially well in the fifth set.”
Taylor Fritz ends solid grass court season with a crushing defeat
Fritz failed to make it to the Wimbledon semi-final after suffering his second quarter-final loss at SW19 and fourth overall.
This brings an end to a solid grass court season, which began with a run to the last eight at Queen’s.
Fritz then stormed to the Eastbourne title without dropping a set and in the process, won his third title on England’s south coast.
He was full of confidence after completing a comeback from two sets down to defeat Alexander Zverev in round four at Wimbledon.
But after bowing at against Musetti, Fritz now turns his attention to the Paris Olympics, which will be played at Roland Garros.
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