Andre Agassi has made a key point of analysis, lauding Taylor Fritz for the mid-match change he made in the Wimbledon semi-final.
Having endured the worst possible start against Carlos Alcaraz, being broken in his very first service game, the American went on to lose the following set, unable to trouble his opponent’s serve.
However, having then settled into the match, he began cruising through service games, and significantly increased the risk factor when returning the Spaniard’s.
In the end, it paid off massively, leaving Centre Court, and Agassi, stunned.
The match was tied at one set all, finely balanced ahead of Sunday’s grand finale.
Andre Agassi tells fans to watch out for key Taylor Fritz tweak
Speaking live on the BBC’s coverage of the gentleman’s semi-final, Agassi marked a surprise, but wholly welcome guest to join their punditry team.
After all, as a former Wimbledon champion, and one of the greatest tennis players in the history of the sport, his insight is always welcome.
The change he noticed came from Taylor Fritz, and actually ended up paying dividends as the 26-year-old stormed to the second set.
Agassi stated: “And for you guys at home that haven’t noticed, Fritz has picked up the pace of his backhand rally shot, I mean, ridiculously.
“I would love to know what the miles per hour on that is, because he’s absolutely taking average backhand rally shots and trying to bone-crush it to keep himself on advantage.”
Fritz admitted he was inspired by Alcaraz before the match, but did not seem overawed in the opening two sets of the match.
Taylor Fritz loves to analyse his tennis
Whilst there are likely plenty of tennis players who are merely a vessel for their coach, happy to do as they’re told and stick to a game plan, Fritz is far from that.
Instead, he boasts a keen, analytical mind, actually enjoying delving into his old matches to see what he does best, and what needs improvement.
As such, he speaks with his coaching team not as a student, but instead as an equal.
He gives suggestions, and they engage in open discussion about what’s best for each opponent they face. It’s refreshing, and allows him to adjust mid-match because he is so intelligent.
He may go on to lose this match, and that would be understandable, facing the two-time defending Wimbledon champion.
But, he must be praised for his bold change, which will stand him in good stead for the rest of his career.
