Taylor Fritz believes Novak Djokovic’s absence at Indian Wells will make it easier for him to defend the title

American tennis star opens up about his prospects at the Indian Wells tournament following the ban on Novak Djokovic.

Taylor Fritz believes Novak Djokovic’s absence at Indian Wells will make it easier for him to defend the title

Taylor Fritz, Novak Djokovic

American tennis player Taylor Fritz is currently the reigning champion at the Indian Wells tournament. He will try to defend his title at the tournament which will take place in March. The news of the absence of the Serbian star Novak Djokovic from the event due to the recently announced restrictions has given a boost to the American’s prospects. 

In a disappointing decision for Djokovic, the US has barred unvaccinated travelers from entering the country. Other than the Indian Wells tournament, Djokovic can miss the US Open scheduled in the later part of the year. But for Fritz, the news has brought a smile to his face though he is not indifferent to Djokovic’s misfortune.

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Fritz gave his reaction to the news to Clay. “Djokovic doesn’t play? I didn’t know,” he said expressing his surprise. On the question of his prospects of defending his title, he felt relief. “Obviously from the point of view of those who want to defend the title, the picture becomes easier if Novak is not there,” Fritz expressed. 

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At the same Fritz believed that the Serb should be allowed to play in the tournament. “I feel that we are at a certain point where he should be allowed to enter the country. I’m not the one who makes the rules,” Fritz continued. The new restriction policy brings back the horrific time for Djokovic which caused him to miss a couple of tournaments due to his unvaccinated status. 

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Taylor Fritz helps Team US reach the final at the United Cup

Taylor Fritz

American tennis player Taylor Fritz defeated Hubert Hurkacz ensuring the final berth for Team USA in the United Cup in Australia. The 25-year-old overcame the Polish player 7-6 (5), 7-6 (5) which gave his team an unassailable lead over Poland. In the post-match conversation, Fritz expressed his excitement to play in the final. Earlier Jessica Pegula defeated Iga Swiatek which strengthened USA’s position in the event. 

“It was great to get the winner there to get us through. I mean I had no doubt that if I were to lose, the rest of the team would have come through,” Fritz said. “I am super excited going into the finals and I think we have been the favorites all week,” he continued. Now team USA is waiting for the winner of the other semifinal between Italy and Greece in the inaugural mixed-gender event. 

About the prospects of his team lifting the Cup, Fritz sounded very hopeful. “I have played with Team USA a lot and I think it is a huge advantage this time having the girls in our team because it just makes the whole team so much stronger,” Fritz said about the presence of Madison Keys and Jessica Pegula in the team.  If Team USA secures the title, it will be another big achievement for the reigning Indian Wells Masters champion. 

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