'I think grass is very much so an equalizer' - Taylor Fritz confident ahead of his Wimbledon clash with Carlos Alcaraz

Although Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz has proven his superiority on clay, facing him on grass courts is not quite as daunting, says Wimbledon semifinal opponent Taylor Fritz.

The American has been in great form during the grass swing this ATP season, successfully defending his title at Eastbourne just prior to the start of Wimbledon. Fritz has battled his way through SW19, defeating Russian Karen Khachanov in a close quarterfinal to book his spot in the final four, where he faces Alcaraz.

Fritz believes he has a better chance on grass

Conversely, Alcaraz is coming off two consecutive titles, winning the French Open earlier this month before lifting the trophy at the Queen's Club Championships a few weeks later. The former World No.1 has dropped just three sets during his run at SW19, breezing past British hope Cameron Norrie in straight sets in their quarterfinal match on Tuesday.

Following his victory over Khachanov, Fritz spoke on the difference when facing Alcaraz on clay versus battling the Spaniard on grass. The American stated he preferred his chances on grass, given Alcaraz's dominance on the red dirt.

“Well, if it’s him (Alcaraz), I’m happy," said Fritz. "I’m happy that we’re not playing at the French Open on clay with the French Open balls, ’cause that would be an absolute nightmare.
"Yeah, I think grass is very much so an equalizer. It can be an equalizer. So trust in how I’m playing. I truly know the way that I played the first two sets today, there’s not much any opponent on the other side can do."

Alcaraz and Fritz have met just once on the ATP Tour, with the former World No.1 securing a 6-4 6-2 victory on the hard courts of the 2023 Miami Open. The duo would also battle once at the 2024 Laver Cup, with Alcaraz prevailing in a 6-2 7-5 victory.