Fritz claims third season title with Tokyo triumph

Taylor Fritz cracked the ranking Top 10 as he lifted his third title of a breakthrough season on Sunday, defeating Frances Tiafoe 7-6(3), 7-6(2) in the final of the Japan Open.

The Tokyo triumph was added to 2022 trophies for the American at Indian Wells and Eastbourne.

He will move from 11th into the ranking elite on Monday with a chance at reaching November’s ATP Finals in Turin.

Fritz won despite arriving at the last minute in Tokyo after spending a week in COVID quarantine in Seoul after a positive test.

He is the 10th different American singles champion here and he first since Pete Sampras in 1996.

“I don’t even think it’s set in just how fast the last four or five days have been,” the winner said.

“It’s so crazy, and I couldn’t have written it any better. It’s exactly what I needed for the Race for my ranking, to put me in a good position for the end of the year, so it’s amazing.”

Fritz needed a shade under two hours to earn victory, matching compatriot with a dozen aces at the Arieka Colosseum and forcing Tiafoe – who had won his last 13 tiebreak sets – to save seven of eight break points.

According to ATP calculations, Fritz will emerge on eighth in the rankings, first American into the Top 10 since Jack Sock half a decade ago.

Fritz now stands 5-1 in his series with his compatriot and Laver Cup teammate.