Sports · Tennis · 1 day ago
Taylor Fritz beats Matteo Arnaldi in Shanghai after Tokyo heat setback
Taylor Fritz began the Shanghai Masters with a 7-5, 6-2 win over Matteo Arnaldi.
The American had been knocked out in the first round of the Japan Open the week before.
He said the heat in Tokyo affected him because he had not adjusted to the hot conditions.
In Shanghai, he was frustrated by balls that he said changed quickly as they wore down, making it harder to finish points.
He also noted that the courts were faster this year, which helped.
Other leading players have also criticised differences in how balls play from tournament to tournament.
No change to the balls is confirmed.
Taylor Fritz beat Matteo Arnaldi 7-5, 6-2 in his opening match at the Shanghai Masters.
The American said he felt better after struggling in the heat during his first-round loss at the Japan Open the previous week.
Fritz said the Shanghai balls became difficult to play with after they wore out.
He also said faster courts this year helped keep play moving.
- Who
- Taylor Fritz beat Matteo Arnaldi.
- What
- Fritz won 7-5, 6-2 in his opening match at the Shanghai Masters.
- When
- At the Shanghai Masters, after the Japan Open the previous week; the match date is not stated.
- Where
- Shanghai.
- Why
- Fritz said the heat in Tokyo had affected him because he had not acclimatised to it. He also complained that the Shanghai balls became difficult to play with as they wore out.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Fritz suffered a first-round exit at the Japan Open after struggling in the heat.
Fritz beat Arnaldi 7-5, 6-2 in his opening match.
- Match score
- Fritz beat Arnaldi 7-5, 6-2
- Tournament
- Shanghai Masters
- Previous tournament
- Japan Open
- Fritz's ranking
- World No 12
What people are saying
I felt good about my tennis the whole time, I think Tokyo was just tough circumstances for me.
These balls they are so fast brand new and then they wear out so fast and once they get worn out, God, it’s just miserable to try to finish a point, like so tough.
Sources
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