‘It’ll be fun!’ Alcaraz and Fritz swap compliments ahead of quarter-final clash

There will be a first-time clash in the quarter-final as world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz takes on world No 10 Taylor Fritz

Mar 28, 2023; Miami, Florida, US; Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) celebrates after match point against Tommy Paul (USA) (not pictured) on day nine of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. (AI/Reuters/Panoramic)

Carrie Dunn

March 29, 2023

Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz have never played each other before, but they are about to meet in the quarter-final of the Miami Open.

And both are looking forward to the prospect.

Fritz played his round of 16 match against Holger Rune earlier on Tuesday so was not sure who his next opponent would be when asked.

“If it’s Carlos, I’m really excited for it. I think that a lot of people, a lot of people are really excited for that too. We have never played each other. I think it’s an interesting match-up, and, I don’t know, I think it would be a lot of fun to play him.

"How has he stolen that point?" 😅@MiamiOpen | #MiamiOpen | @carlosalcaraz pic.twitter.com/yMEcxyrW4m
— ATP Tour (@atptour) March 28, 2023

“Obviously he’s playing great lately, and, you know, he had some injuries but obviously hasn’t missed a beat. He’s been just on fire.”

He added: “It’s going to be physical. So I have to be ready for that.”

Alcaraz: I’m going to be focused on me

Alcaraz, who beat Tommy Paul in the round of 16, knew he’d be taking on the American, and told a press conference he was familiar with Fritz’s game.

“I watch a lot of matches from Taylor, so I know him a little bit. I think I couldn’t practice with him. I have never played against him, so it’s going to be really tough, you know, new opponent for me, new, let’s say, style of game for me.

“But I’m gonna be focused on me, just on me, to play my game, you know, to, as I said, have a lot of time to enjoy, to playing relax, to smile on court. That’s the key of everything for me.”