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 have 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 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 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. But even 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 arrive before the QF stage. So that might be a relief for Fritz. Should they meet in the R8, however, the Russian is expected to give the American a run for his money. Simply because he’s been in a good form lately. At the 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 also finds his way through the semis, there’s a high chance for him to face Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti in the summit clash. The latter has made tremendous improvement 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 in general. 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 against Fritz should they meet in the final battle.

But Fritz can still end up having a great run at the Citi Open, despite going against formidable rivals. How come? His form has been top notch, especially in the last two months.

Taylor Fritz can take motivation from Wimbledon in 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 Jeson 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 before facing Carlos Alcaraz who ended his campaign. But it was absolutely outstanding for the 27-year-old. Despite the loss, he embraced it as a positive lesson going forward 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.” reported ATP’s website on July 11.

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