Fritz squeezes past 430th-ranked Catarina to advance in Monte-Carlo
The American is through to the second round of the Monte-Carlo Masters where he will play former US Open champion Marin Cilic
Taylor Fritz at the 2022 Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium
Image Credit: Zuma / Panoramic
American Taylor Fritz came from a break down in the final set against a player ranked outside the world’s top 400 to advance to the second round of the Monte-Carlo Masters on Tuesday.
24-year-old Lucas Catarina, who represents Monacao, delighted the local fans by winning the first set in a tiebreaker. Even though Fritz came back to win the second set in another tiebreaker, it was the 430th-ranked Catarina who broke in the deciding set and went up 4-2.
Fritz fought back once again – this time winning the final four games to complete the 6-7, 7-6, 6-4 win in two hours and 40 minutes.
Fritz to meet Marin Cilic in the second round
The win continues Fritz’s impressive form in recent weeks. The American picked up first ATP Masters Series title at Indian Wells in March and is now 18-6 on the year.
Fritz, seeded No 10 this week. meets former world No 3 Marin Cilic, who scored a straight-sets win over Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. The American could also meet the rising Spanish teen phenom Carlos Alcaraz in the third round in Monaco this week.
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