Fritz squeezes past 430th-ranked Catarina to advance in Monte-Carlo

American Taylor Fritz came from a break down in the final set against a player ranked outside the world’s top 400 to advance to the second round of the Monte-Carlo Masters on Tuesday.

24-year-old Lucas Catarina, who represents Monacao, delighted the local fans by winning the first set in a tiebreaker. Even though Fritz came back to win the second set in another tiebreaker, it was the 430th-ranked Catarina who broke in the deciding set and went up 4-2.

Fritz fought back once again – this time winning the final four games to complete the 6-7, 7-6, 6-4 win in two hours and 40 minutes.

Fritz to meet Marin Cilic in the second round

The win continues Fritz’s impressive form in recent weeks. The American picked up first ATP Masters Series title at Indian Wells in March and is now 18-6 on the year.

Fritz, seeded No 10 this week. meets former world No 3 Marin Cilic, who scored a straight-sets win over Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. The American could also meet the rising Spanish teen phenom Carlos Alcaraz in the third round in Monaco this week.

You might also like this

Indian Wells: Fritz wins Indian Wells but his girlfriend grabs even more attention

tennis majors

Fritz captures biggest title in Indian Wells, hands Nadal first loss in 2022

tennis majors

American, Kathy May, US Open: Everything you always wanted to know about Taylor Fritz (but never had time to find out) – updated with ATP Finals qualification

tennis majors