‘Amazing, incredible!’ – Taylor Fritz ‘couldn’t be happier’ after ATP Delray Beach triumph in front of American fans

Taylor Fritz reflected on how proud he was after sealing his ATP Delray Beach triumph in front of the American fans in Florida.

The top seed and world No. 7 had to battle hard after squandering an initial match point as he eventually triumphed 6-0 5-7 6-2 over Miomir Kecmanovic as he claimed his fifth ATP Tour title in impressive fashion.

It was the first title of the season for Fritz, who has now won four ATP Tour titles in the last 12 months as he continued his very fine stretch of form going back to last season, establishing himself as a leading light.

The 25-year-old, who reached the quarter-finals at Wimbledon last year, ended up with a total of 43 winners, along with hammering down 10 aces against Kecmanovic, who was constantly under pressure.

The American could not have been more delighted with his triumph, and also the huge ovations he received from the Florida fans. Although he failed to capitalise on a match point at 5-4 in the second set, he was relieved to have held his nerve.

“My first time back here in quite a while and the event was amazing,” said Fritz, who was cheered on enthusiastically by the local fans.

“The fans especially, the turnout was incredible and it makes me really proud to be an American playing at a home event, with how many people were in the stands.

“This year was incredible after losing in the first and second round [almost] every single year I’d been here. I couldn’t be happier with coming back and having this result.”

In taking the title, Fritz also became the first champion to have been ranked in the top 10 of the world rankings in the 31-year history of the ATP 250 event in Delray Beach.

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