Grumpy Fritz slams Davis conditions after US loss

Angry American Taylor Fritz has taken a shot at the Spanish-run Davis Cup after his side was knocked out of the quarter-finals by Italy.

The weekend semi-finalist at the ATP Cup in Turin, complained about the tennis balls and added that it didn’t really matter at home who won the Euro-centric team tennis event.

“Nobody really cares what we do here. In the event that we won the title, I have doubts that ESPN would report on it,” he said.

The sour grapes continued from the ATP No. 9:

“The only way to make this tournament matter to (US) people is to win it at some point.”

Fritz also had nothing good to say about playing conditions in Malaga.

“During the match (he scored the only American point with a win over Lorenzo Musetti) all I could think about was how bad these balls are. 

“The way they wear out and the inability to hit a winning shot is unbelievable.

“I realised there was no point in playing aggressively and taking risks, it was impossible.

“I can’t even rate it at the speed of the court, track, it was impossible to hit winners.”

Fritz said he played despite all of his mis-givings: “It’s always an honor to represent my country, but after a whole year traveling and playing in the ATP Finals, it’s not easy.

“I gave (captain) Mardy (Fish) my word and I’m here.”

Fish has been under fire for failing to select 38-year-old doubles ace Rajeev Ram, who won the ATP Finals four days earlier with Joe Salisbury.

Fish has given no explanation, saying only he would take the heat for the poor call which excluded the world doubles No. 3.