Taylor Fritz has solidified himself as one of the premier players on the ATP Tour. Coming off the best season of his career in 2024, where he reached a career-high ranking of No. 4 in the world, won two ATP titles, and became the first American man to reach a Grand Slam final since 2009, Fritz is on the cusp of tennis greatness. Yet, as impressive as his achievements have been, his ambitions don’t stop there. Fritz has his sights set on the ultimate goal—becoming the world’s No. 1 player.
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To achieve this, Fritz needs to address key aspects of his game. His junior coach and father, Guy Fritz, recently provided an in-depth look at what the American star must improve to take the final step in his journey to the top.
The Rise of Taylor Fritz
Fritz’s ascent to prominence in 2024 was nothing short of spectacular. His remarkable run to the US Open final was a highlight, showcasing his ability to excel under pressure. On his way to the final, Fritz defeated some of the best players in the game, including Casper Ruud and Frances Tiafoe. While he fell to Jannik Sinner in straight sets in the championship match, the tournament was a breakthrough moment for the American.
Fritz followed up his Grand Slam success with another deep run at the ATP Finals, reaching the final once again only to lose to Sinner. Despite the losses, Fritz proved he belongs among the elite. His career-best performances, combined with two additional ATP titles at Delray Beach and Eastbourne, demonstrated his growth as a player.
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But as his coach pointed out, climbing from world No. 4 to the top of the rankings requires a new level of refinement in his game.
The Biggest Improvement: The Return of Serve
Guy Fritz believes that improving Taylor’s return of serve is critical to his aspirations of becoming world No. 1. While Fritz’s serve is a formidable weapon, breaking his opponents’ serves consistently is where he can make the most significant strides.
“When he breaks serve, he wins matches,” Guy Fritz explained. “He needs to step in, take that ball early, and be more aggressive, especially on the forehand. Run around it on the deuce side and go for his shots.”
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This advice reflects a broader trend in modern tennis, where the return of serve is a decisive factor, particularly against the top players. Fritz’s ability to capitalize on break-point opportunities, especially on fast surfaces like grass, will determine how competitive he can be against the likes of Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
“When you get those break points, especially on grass, you can’t play it safe. That’s the time to go for your shot,” Guy Fritz emphasized.
Other Areas for Growth
While the return of serve is the most critical improvement, Guy Fritz identified several other aspects of Taylor’s game that need polishing:
- First and Second Serves
“He can mix up his serve more, especially targeting the body to keep opponents off balance,” Guy noted. While Fritz’s serve is already one of the best on tour, adding variety and unpredictability will make it even harder to counter. - Backhand Volley
According to his coach, Fritz can improve his backhand volley by focusing on better split-step timing and more precise contact points. “He doesn’t turn quite enough, and that’s something he can fix,” Guy added. - Approach Shots
Fritz’s approach shots need more consistency, particularly in choosing the right angles. “Sometimes he goes back behind the guy when he shouldn’t. Just going to the open court could make all the difference,” Guy explained. - Speed
While Fritz has made strides in his fitness, a slight improvement in his speed could give him an edge in long rallies and defensive situations. “He can get a little quicker, and that will help him stay competitive in extended points,” his coach said.
The Mountain to Climb
The challenge Fritz faces in his quest for world No. 1 is daunting. Jannik Sinner currently leads the ATP rankings with a commanding 6,000-point advantage over Fritz. To close that gap, Fritz will need to outperform not only Sinner but also other top players like Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz.
Fritz’s struggles against Sinner in 2024—losing all three of their encounters, including two at the ATP Finals—highlight the importance of adapting his game to beat the Italian. These matches serve as a microcosm of the larger challenge Fritz faces: stepping up in the biggest moments against the best players.
The Mental Game: Seizing Big Opportunities
Guy Fritz stressed that becoming No. 1 requires not just technical improvements but also mental toughness. “We’re not talking about being ranked ten or 20,” he said. “To be No. 1, you’ve got to create opportunities and take them. You’ve got to go for your shots and make them.”
This mindset will be especially important in Grand Slam tournaments, where Fritz will need to consistently outperform his peers in high-pressure situations. His ability to stay composed and aggressive in crucial moments will be key to his success.
The Road Ahead
As the 2025 season kicks off, Fritz has the opportunity to build on his 2024 momentum. The Australian Open, starting January 12, will be his first chance to demonstrate the improvements he’s made in the offseason. A strong performance in Melbourne could set the tone for the rest of the year and help narrow the gap between him and the top spot.
While the journey to No. 1 will require hard work, discipline, and resilience, Fritz has already proven he has the talent and determination to rise to the challenge. With targeted improvements to his game, there’s no reason why he can’t achieve his dream of becoming the best in the world.
