Taylor Fritz simply can’t catch a break at the moment. After battling his way (scars and all, the whole nine yards) through multiple five-set cliffhangers at Wimbledon, making it to the semis before losing to Alcaraz, the American has yet to prove himself again. But this time, he will have to do it on his home turf. Just when it seemed like the world No.4 might have it easy, the tables turned. At the Citi Open in Washington, D.C., next week, the 27-year-old has an uphill task ahead of delivering a stellar performance against the likes of a 6’8″ Frenchman with lethal serves and a possible battle involving a Russian powerhouse.

The draw for the Citi Open is out. Who will Fritz take on in his opening match? Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. Are we talking about the man who smashed the fastest-ever serve in Wimbledon history earlier this month? Yes. Against Fritz in the opening round at the grass court major, Perricard launched a 153 mph (246 kmph) missile. Somehow, the American dodged it before eventually besting the Frenchman in a thrilling five-setter. Not to mention the latter will want to avenge the loss, albeit on a different surface. If Fritz clears Perricard’s challenge, he may have to go through fire in the form of Russia’s Andrey Rublev.

The face-off with Rublev, however, won’t happen before the QF stage, which might be a relief for Fritz. Should they meet in the R8, the Russian is expected to give the American a run for his money, especially with his current form. At Wimbledon, he managed to reach the fourth round before losing to Alcaraz. Plus, Rublev’s got a stable record at the Citi Open. In the past, he’s reached the semis twice here (2018 and 2022) apart from entering the QF stage last season.

In case Fritz fights his way to the semis, his chances of facing Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti in the summit clash become more probable. The latter has made tremendous improvements this season, breaking into the top 10. Currently, he’s ranked No.7. Barring Wimbledon, where he lost in the first round this month, Musetti has been consistent. Last month, he reached the semis at the French Open. Before that, he even entered the last four in Madrid and then Rome. The Italian may pose a big threat to Fritz should they meet in the final battle.

But Fritz can still have a great run at the Citi Open, despite going against formidable rivals, especially with his classy form in the last two months.

Taylor Fritz to take motivation from Wimbledon for Washington, D.C.

After facing a first round exit at the French Open in late May, Taylor Fritz has made a remarkable comeback on the court. Last month, he won two grass events, in Stuttgart and then Eastbourne. At the BOSS Open, he bested German star Alexander Zverev. Then at the Eastbourne Open, the 2024 US Open finalist defeated compatriot Jenson Brooksby in straight sets to lift the trophy.

And who can forget his heroics at the All England Club? Fritz earned his best run yet in London, reaching the semis. He looked nearly invincible prior to facing Carlos Alcaraz who cut short Fritz’s his campaign. But it was an absolutely outstanding run for the 27-year-old. Despite the loss, he embraced it positively to improve even further. “If I keep putting myself in these situations and playing them, I learn more about my game and what I need to do differently and what I need to do better to get to that level,” proclaimed Fritz, as reported in ATP’s website on July 11.

Going into the Citi Open next week, Fritz would look to better his past record. The American will enter his fifth overall campaign in Washington, D.C. So far, he’s made it to the semis once. Two years ago, he beat Australia’s Jordan Thompson in the R8 to make it to the last four before losing to Tallon Griekspoor.

Do you think Fritz will carry forward his Wimbledon form into the Citi Open as well? Let us know in the comments below.