Taylor Fritz and Alex de Minaur faced off for the 12th time in their careers when they clashed during the round robin action of the Nitto ATP Finals on Thursday afternoon.
De Minaur leads the head-to-head series 6-5, although all are tied at 5-5 in the first leg. However, the tide has become a major trend in recent times. Going back to the 2021 US Open, Fritz won five of the 7 meetings that included two in a row in the finals there at the end of last year – 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 at the Nitto ATP Finals and 6-3, 6-4 at the Davis Couff Finals.
It will be difficult for de Minaur to turn the tables back to his favor given recent developments in Turin. Seventh-ranked Australia has played well for most of the two matches but has nothing to show for his efforts. After losing to Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 (5), 6-2 De Minaurd has a 5-3 advantage scheduled against Lorenzo Musetti and fell in a fight lasting two hours and 47.
Fritz is in good shape to qualify for the Semis, although a win in this match would obviously have given him a long way to go with his hopes. The sixth-ranked American opened with a 6-3, 6-4 route to Sumetti before losing to Alcaraz 6-7 (2), 7-5, 6-3.
DeFentint de Minaur could be on the verge of a mental meltdown based on what he said in the post-match press conference following his fall from Mumetti. Fritz, on the other hand, is full of confidence with 1-1 in a team with nothing worse than a big loss to Alcaraz. In addition, the 28-year-old was the 2024 runner-up in the tournament – so he likes the playing conditions very well. Test him to overcome the power of retrogression in this tough house court.
Pick: Fritz at 2
