|
However, the 25-year-old, who is among 10
American men in the top 50, said he did not feel like the leader
of the pack.
"I wouldn't say 'leader' but I've shown everyone what's
possible, because they've always known they can play with me and
can compete with me. And if I'm able to do something I know they
believe they can do it too," Fritz said.
"I think it gives a lot of reassurance or confidence to them
that they can produce the same results I can produce. I feel if
the roles were reversed, I'd feel the same way."
Fritz outclassed Marton Fucsovics at Indian Wells on Tuesday and
will next play Jannik Sinner.
He joins Frances Tiafoe in the quarter-finals, marking the first
time that two Americans will feature in the last eight at the
tournament since Mardy Fish and James Blake in 2008.
Fritz said Tiafoe had found a way to grind out victories.
"He's become so much more consistent and gotten over the hump of
winning those matches that just sometimes wouldn't go his way,
which makes a big difference when you're late into a
tournament," Fritz said.
"It's a big difference when you start winning those matches, and
he's been winning those."
(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter
Rutherford)
[© 2023 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content. |
|
