Taylor Fritz has revealed what his relationship with Carlos Alcaraz is really like, after suffering a third straight defeat to him in the Wimbledon semifinals.
In what was his best-ever run at this event, the 27-year-old battled through five-set epics and showcased some of his greatest grass-court tennis to deservedly earn his spot within the final four.
However, when faced with the task of overcoming Carlos Alcaraz, things changed.
Everybody knows how difficult it is to beat this indomitable Spaniard, let alone at the All-England Club, on a surface where he has lost just three professional matches in his entire career.
And yet, Taylor Fritz impressed, even if he was eventually defeated in just four sets.
Just the third meeting of their careers, few could blame the American for developing a resentment towards Alcaraz for what he has accomplished already. However, he sees things differently.
Taylor Fritz says if he really likes Carlos Alcaraz after Wimbledon semi-final
As a measured, analytical individual, Fritz seldom lets himself get too swept up in the emotional aspect of this sport.
He may be pictured ranting at umpires or complaining at his own game, but for the most part, he is reserved.
So, when asked what his relationship with Alcaraz was really like after just a crushing loss at Wimbledon, his answer sought to reinforce that notion, as he also revealed what was said at the net between them immediately after their semifinal had concluded.
He revealed: “Yeah, I mean, honestly, I get along very well with Carlos. I think Carlos is such an incredibly nice guy. I really like Carlos a lot, and, yeah.
“At the net, he just said, you know, great match, good level. It was a good match. And, you know, I said, you know, congrats, you were too good, and, you know, best of luck moving forward.
“Just kind of, I mean, pretty standard, but he acknowledged that it was, you know, it was a good match. It was a pretty solid level being played, and yeah, I don’t know.
“I think, pretty standard stuff, but I will say, you know, we get along quite well.”
Fritz pinpointed the area he wants to improve after the match, as he seeks to bridge the gap between him and the world’s top-two players.
Carlos Alcaraz is a new great ambassador for tennis
Unless you get sick of being consistently beaten by him, Alcaraz does seem like the kind of player who’s tough to dislike.
After all, everything he does, he does with a smile.
His play style is nothing but admirable, bringing elite variation that could see him bludgeon you off the court with powerful groundstrokes, or move you about with accurate strikes or deft drop shots.
The possibilities are endless, as Fritz alludes to, and yet he still seems to be magnanimous after dismantling his opponents.
Alcaraz is the perfect ambassador for tennis, especially with the power vacuum left by the steady departure of the Big Three.
Fritz recognises this, and you would be hard-pressed to find a player on tour who would argue otherwise.
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