‘It’ll be fun!’ Alcaraz and Fritz swap compliments ahead of quarter-final clash
There will be a first-time clash in the quarter-final as world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz takes on world No 10 Taylor Fritz
Mar 28, 2023; Miami, Florida, US; Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) celebrates after match point against Tommy Paul (USA) (not pictured) on day nine of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. (AI/Reuters/Panoramic)
Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz have never played each other before, but they are about to meet in the quarter-final of the Miami Open.
And both are looking forward to the prospect.
Fritz played his round of 16 match against Holger Rune earlier on Tuesday so was not sure who his next opponent would be when asked.
“If it’s Carlos, I’m really excited for it. I think that a lot of people, a lot of people are really excited for that too. We have never played each other. I think it’s an interesting match-up, and, I don’t know, I think it would be a lot of fun to play him.
“Obviously he’s playing great lately, and, you know, he had some injuries but obviously hasn’t missed a beat. He’s been just on fire.”
He added: “It’s going to be physical. So I have to be ready for that.”
Alcaraz: I’m going to be focused on me
Alcaraz, who beat Tommy Paul in the round of 16, knew he’d be taking on the American, and told a press conference he was familiar with Fritz’s game.
“I watch a lot of matches from Taylor, so I know him a little bit. I think I couldn’t practice with him. I have never played against him, so it’s going to be really tough, you know, new opponent for me, new, let’s say, style of game for me.
“But I’m gonna be focused on me, just on me, to play my game, you know, to, as I said, have a lot of time to enjoy, to playing relax, to smile on court. That’s the key of everything for me.”
More tennis news
November 13, 1988: The day Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert played for the 80th and final time
“I haven’t been happy for the last couple of years”: Tirante opens up on mental health and players’ big egos
Pegula saves match point against Noskova to reach WTA Finals semi-finals and knock out Gauff
Stockholm, Day 4: Musetti battles past Humbert to set up Fritz semi-final, Tabilo meets Tirante
Gauff wins six straight games from 5-1 down to beat Kostyuk and keep WTA Finals hopes alive