Lucky Number Three?

Can Fritz finally get a win over his fellow American?

There is a lot at stake here! And yes, it's a quarterfinal in an ATP 500 tournament, but that's not what I was referring to. If someone wins three consecutive matches against the same opponent (H2H), they become known as their "Daddy". Ugh, that's something that should really motivate Fritz, isn't it? ;) Both the Americans have had a rather straightforward path here. Fritz has looked rather solid in two easy wins against Bergs and Majchrzak, while Michelsen has managed to get through McDonald and Mannarino in straight-sets as well, even if it was a bit more difficult. As for the conditions, I would say that they are quite good for both players... they both serve really well, and the higher bounce is quite nice for their forehands.

Actually, Michelsen is quite well-suited to play Fritz; he matches up nicely. First of all, most importantly, he is a good returner - which is crucial, since Fritz will just breeze by in his service games otherwise. Secondly, his ability to play at the net and the forecourt is huge; it's one of Fritz's weaknesses. Apart from that, his backhand is great, so he can hang on in cross-court backhand rallies against Fritz. Lastly, he is also good at breaking rhythm, which is another nice thing to be able to do against Taylor! As you can tell, plenty of things in Michelsen's favour. So, naturally, I also have to tell you what I don't like for him in this match. Quite frankly, despite two straight-set wins, I think he has looked a bit more "sluggish" in his wins, perhaps as a result of all the tennis he has played lately. While Mannarino and McDonald were not able to impose their game enough and take advantage of this (Michelsen went down a break in the first set against both), someone like Fritz could be a bit more ruthless if Michelsen is not sharp from the start this time...