Taylor Fritz has just suffered major disappointment at the Miami Open, losing his last 16 clash with Jiri Lehecka.
Fritz is currently managing a knee injury, with his lengthy battle against Lehecka likely not helping his immediate future regarding his body.
The ATP rivals played for two hours and 25 minutes at the Miami Open before the Czech ace beat the American star 6-4, 6-7(4-7), 6-2.
Lehecka has now earned a quarterfinal meeting with Martin Landaluce, while it’s clear that Fritz can improve his return game following a disappointing display in that area.
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Taylor Fritz must look at his return after Miami Open disappointment
Fritz is a fantastic server, and has consistently been one of the best servers on the ATP Tour in recent seasons.
But his return really let him down against Lehecka, highlighted by just 25% of first serve return points won and 41% of second serve return points won.
He finished the match with 31/102 return points won, as well as failing to convert any of his five break points.
Of course, Lehecka deserves huge credit for his superb performance, having constantly put pressure on his higher-ranked opponent.
But ultimately Fritz knows it was a missed opportunity, particularly in a tournament where he has the support of the fans.
| Jiri Lehecka | Taylor Fritz | |
| 117 | Return rating | 66 |
| 18/65 (28%) | 1st serve return points won | 17/68 (25%) |
| 13/33 (39%) | 2nd serve return points won | 14/34 (41%) |
| 3/10 (30%) | Break points converted | 0/5 (0%) |
| 31/98 (32%) | Return points won | 31/102 (30%) |
Taylor Fritz remains one of the top ATP servers
As mentioned, it was an impressive service display from Fritz against Lehecka, which he can at least take some comfort from.
He finished the match with 72% of his first serve points won and 61% of his second serve points won, with eight aces recorded and 7/10 break points saved.
Fritz finished with 68% of his service points won and also impressively won all nine of his net points, with his poor return game seemingly preventing him from a quarterfinal on home soil.
More frustrating for the American will be the draw, which had certainly opened up for him after the exit of top seed Carlos Alcaraz.
His latest display was typical of his form on the ATP Tour, where Fritz is behind only Jannik Sinner for serve leaders, but all the way down in 63rd for his return.
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The American’s shock loss was also a blow for the Miami Open fans, who will now place their hopes on Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe for a home champion.
But that certainly won’t be easy, with Paul now taking on rising talent Arthur Fils and Tiafoe playing against Sinner.
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