The American accepts Wimbledon might be the best chance for him to win an elusive major title at 27, and says being ‘a bit delusional’ has helped him in elite tennis
“T
hat’s the only reason I really want to be playing,” Taylor Fritz says of his quest to win a grand slam tournament as he counts down the days to Wimbledon. Fritz, the world No 5, made the US Open final last year but he believes Wimbledon offers him the best opportunity to claim that elusive prize. He is 27 and, with each passing year, the pressure of his ambition grows.
Asked if he would feel an emptiness at the end of his career if he doesn’t win a slam, Fritz admits the truth: “I probably would. I’d probably think about it forever if I don’t do it.”
Fritz grew up with privileged opportunities and personal challenges. His mother, Kathy May, was a top-10 player who reached three grand slam quarter-finals in the 1970s, while his father, Guy, was a modest pro who eventually channelled his drive into coaching Taylor. It could be suffocating and chaotic and, at 17, Taylor removed his dad as coach and found his own way.
