Taylor Fritz Stunning Comeback Stuns Zverev at Wimbledon
In a remarkable comeback, Taylor Fritz turned the tables after losing the first two sets to defeat two-time Grand Slam finalist Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (3), 6-3, and secure a spot in the Wimbledon quarterfinals.
Fritz, the 13th seeded and 26-year-old Californian, matched his career-best performance in a major tournament with this victory. “It was amazing to do that,” he said, reflecting on the hard-fought match.
The contest, played under the closed Centre Court roof, was one of the most memorable matches of the tournament.
It marked the 35th five-set match at Wimbledon this year, tying the record for the most at any Slam event in the Open era, which began in 1968.
Moreover, more than in any previous year, Fritz’s win represented the 11th comeback from a two-set deficit in this edition of Wimbledon.
Zverev, fourth seeded, entered the match with a perfect record, having won all nine sets and held in all 41 of his service games at Wimbledon this year.
Despite a knee injury from a previous match, Zverev initially maintained his form, but Fritz managed to break his serve once in the third set and again in the deciding fifth set.
This victory places Fritz in the quarterfinals alongside fellow American Tommy Paul, making it the first time since 2000 that two American men have reached this stage at Wimbledon.
Fritz’s next challenge will be against No. 25 seed Lorenzo Musetti. Meanwhile, No. 9 seed Alex de Minaur awaits the winner of the clash between seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic and No. 15 seed Holger Rune.
On the women’s side, 2022 champion Elena Rybakina, No. 21 seed Elina Svitolina, and 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko all secured wins.
Rybakina will face Svitolina in the quarterfinals, while Ostapenko will compete against the winner of the match between No. 11 seed Danielle Collins and 2021 French Open winner Barbora Krejcikova.
