Taylor Fritz of the U.S. kisses his champion trophy during the award ceremony for the singles of the Japan Open tennis championships in Tokyo, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)
The Associated Press
TOKYO (AP) - Taylor Fritz defeated Frances Tiafoe 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2) in an all-American Japan Open final on Sunday.
It was a perfect five days for Fritz in Tokyo, who arrived at the tournament just after the end of his seven days of quarantine in Seoul following a positive COVID-19 test.
'œ(It is) crazy, I don't even think it's set in just how fast the last four or five days have been,'ť Fritz said after becoming the first American to win the Japan Open since Pete Sampras last won it in 1996.
'œIt's so crazy, and I couldn't have written it any better.'ť
Tiafoe had come into the final on the back of winning 13 straight singles tiebreakers, but Fritz dominated the final with his aggressive hitting.
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Taylor Fritz of the U.S. reacts after defeating Frances Tiafoe of the U.S. in their final match of the Japan Open tennis championships in Tokyo, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)
The Associated Press
Taylor Fritz of the U.S. returns a shot against Frances Tiafoe of the U.S. during their final match of the Japan Open tennis championships in Tokyo, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)
The Associated Press
Taylor Fritz of the U.S., left, shakes hands with Frances Tiafoe of the U.S. after Fritz defeated him in their final match of the Japan Open tennis championships in Tokyo, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)
The Associated Press