Taylor Fritz says what has changed over the last three years of his career

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Taylor Fritz is among the star names safely into the Shanghai Masters round of 16 after two impressive wins.

Fritz won an ‘uncomfortable’ match against Terence Atmane in the round of 32, with the former beating the latter 7-6(7-4), 7-6(7-5).

The American star then followed that up with a more straightforward 6-3, 6-4 victory over Yosuke Watanuki.

Seeded seventh at the Shanghai Masters, Fritz sits fifth in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, while he is seventh in the world rankings.

Fritz aims to qualify for the ATP Finals, and the US Open runner-up is certainly going about that goal the right way.

Taylor Fritz makes claim about the last three years of his career

The American has come on leaps and bounds in recent times, having reached his first-ever Grand Slam final at the US Open.

Fritz, who lost out to world number one Jannik Sinner in New York this time last month, has now pinpointed when he thinks his upward trajectory began.

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Asked if he feels like he has arrived in Shanghai as a different player in his latest press conference, he replied: “I think last year when I was here I was also playing at a very high level.

“I think, I would say, the last three years of my career I think I’ve been a different player, but, I mean, obviously coming here confident, and then, you know, in a really great spot in the race for the year, and I’m hoping to finish the year strong.”

Taylor Fritz back on top after Japan Open struggles

It has been a busy time for Fritz since that stunning US Open run, with the American taking on team and individual events.

He won twice and lost once as his Team World side were defeated in the Laver Cup by Team Europe in Berlin.
Fritz then fell in the round of 32 of the Japan Open, with Arthur Fils knocking out the top seed thanks to his 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 win.

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But he is back to winning ways in Shanghai, where his compatriots Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul are also into the last 16.

Fritz boasts two ATP Tour titles this season, and should be full of confidence thanks to his 45-19 win-loss record.