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'You’re trying to get me roasted': Taylor Fritz jokes after being asked to pick Sinner or Alcaraz post US Open win

Originally posted on TennisUpToDate.com | Last updated Aug 25, 2025 10:53 AM ET

Taylor Fritz opened his 2025 US Open campaign with a hard-fought win, overcoming a tricky first-round challenge against a fellow American Emilio Nava. After navigating a tense opening set, the world No. 12 admitted the nerves of a Slam opener are always a factor, especially against a dangerous opponent.

A year on from his US Open final run, it was a different complexion entirely and one that he didn't massively enjoy he admitted. “It’s not fun to play,” Fritz said of the matchup. “He’s got a big serve, hitting the ball huge, tough to break. It’s a match where I don’t really get to control or do a lot of the things I’d like to do. He’s going to be the first one attacking, getting a lot of free points on his serve.

“But it’s just the first round of the Open. Most slams in general, it’s the first round—you come out, it’s a little nervy. You just kind of get over the hump of the first set, and then I can relax and play better through the match. I’m just happy to get through that tight first set.”

Standing out with Boss

Fritz, one of several top players now partnered with non-traditional clothing brands, also discussed his apparel deal with Boss. He believes the shift reflects broader changes in the sportswear market.

“I think more companies are getting into tennis. Every brand wants to do a tennis line—even brands that don’t necessarily sponsor players,” he explained. “It’s become popular with athleisure and sporty clothes in general. For me, it just felt like a really good fit to go to Boss.”

Friendship with Tiafoe

The 27-year-old was in lighter spirits when asked about his close friend Frances Tiafoe. The two have known each other for years and have developed a playful dynamic that often involves plenty of banter.

“Frances is one of a kind, and he’s one of my best friends for sure,” Fritz said. “We’ve always gotten along really well. The best way to describe why we get along is that we can both laugh at ourselves a lot.

“Just the other day when we were playing mixed, I got beat 4-2, 4-2, and when I got off the court he was making fun of me the entire time about how bad we just got chopped. Then he texts me after his match like, ‘I can’t even make fun of you—we just got killed. We just got chopped.’ That’s kind of our relationship—we never take each other too seriously.”

Armstrong comfort

While some players long for the spotlight of Arthur Ashe Stadium, Fritz admitted he often prefers playing on Louis Armstrong, mainly because of scheduling.

“I care more about playing at the time of day I want than what the court is,” he said. “On Ashe, I really don’t like some of the day sessions—the massive shadow going through the court is kind of annoying. Last year I asked to play Armstrong because it was easier to get the time I wanted.

“This year I had no say at all—I didn’t want to play Sunday, and I didn’t want to play early, but they put me on. Still, I’ve had a lot of good matches and a good record on Armstrong, so I definitely like the court.”

Pressure and pride of playing at home

With the backing of the New York crowd, Fritz acknowledged that playing at home is both a motivator and a source of pressure.

“It’s never a problem feeling excited, pumped up, and motivated with the crowd behind you,” he said. “It also adds a layer of pressure, because it’s my home Slam and I want to have a good result. But it’s great to have the crowd behind you, for sure.”

Finding confidence in form, not results

Reflecting on his career milestones, Fritz insisted his self-belief comes more from how he feels on court than from his résumé.

“I’d take more confidence from my run on the grass courts this year than maybe the US Open last year, because I felt like I was playing a higher level during the grass swing,” he said. “At the same time, I take confidence from the run here because I made it that deep in a Slam while not playing incredible—playing well, but not as well as I know I can.

“The World Tour Finals last year was huge, I thought I was playing some of my best tennis there. Wimbledon this year, Indian Wells that year—it’s more about how I feel I’m hitting the ball and playing, not just the results.”

Sinner or Alcaraz?

Finally, Fritz was asked the inevitable locker room question—between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who will emerge with the stronger career? Unsurprisingly, he wasn’t eager to pick sides.

“You’re trying to get me roasted by one of their fan bases,” he laughed. “You can’t win with this answer.

“Jannik’s results have been more consistent, but Carlos’s high end is probably the highest level you’ll see when he’s on. So yeah… don’t make me get destroyed by one of their fans. I’m good.”

This article first appeared on TennisUpToDate.com and was syndicated with permission.

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