Taylor Fritz calls Roger Federer the most intimidating of the Big-3 as Team World wins the 2023 Laver Cup in front of the Swiss maestro

Taylor Fritz also explained the rationale behind his comments.

Taylor Fritz calls Roger Federer the most intimidating of the Big-3 as Team World wins the 2023 Laver Cup in front of the Swiss maestro

Taylor Fritz, Roger Federer (Images via Tennis Majors, The Independent)

American tennis ace Taylor Fritz who was a part of the winning squad at the Laver Cup 2023 has expressed his admiration for Roger Federer, calling the Swiss most intimidating of the Big 3. Fritz, who contributed significantly to Team World’s 13-2 win over Team Europe at the prestigious tournament in Vancouver, talked about how it felt to play in front of Federer. 

Fritz said that while he is not sure if Federer watching him play is intimidating, the American admitted that it was exciting. He also went on to say that it would be most exciting for him to play with Federer watching as compared to the other two- Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic watching him play. 

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Fritz also revealed the reason behind his point as he said that he grew up watching Federer and hence he has so much admiration for the 20-time Grand Slam winner. “Watching? Intimidating, I’m not quite sure. For me, when it’s Roger watching, that’s probably, like, what I’d be the most excited about, of the three of them. Probably would be the most excited about Roger watching, because I just always looked up to Roger so much,” said Fritz (via Laver Cup Press).

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Fritz said that it makes him even more happy after he does well knowing that someone like Federer is watching him play. “I try not to look into the crowd too much. But I know Roger is watching, so I think that’s always something that is really cool is after I get off the court, especially since I played a good match, I’m, like, it pumps me up a lot knowing someone like Roger and those guys, that they’re watching, watching me play, and I’m happy that I played well,” said Fritz.

Also Read: Novak Djokovic finally getting the credit he deserves as he is out of the shadow of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal says Greg Rusedski

Taylor Fritz has the Laver Cup title to forget US Open heartbreak

After his dominating win over Andrey Rublev on Day 2 of the 2023 Laver Cup was a relieved man as he had avenged his defeat in Monte Carlo this year. Also, winning the title here in Vancouver might help the 25-year-old American forget the heartbreak he had at the 2023 US Open. Fritz made it to the quarterfinals but only to be annihilated by Novak Djokovic.

Taylor Fritz Laver Cup
Taylor Fritz (Image via Laver Cup)

The Americans had lost in straight sets and it was Fritz’s seventh loss on the trot against the Serbian. In fact, he has never won against Djokovic. Nevertheless, putting that disappointment behind him, Fritz did a great job of extending Team World’s lead on Day 2 as he took down Rublev in straight sets of 6-2 7-6(3).

Fritz said that he thrives in team games as he has people cheering for him. The American said that the pressure to perform for his team helps him up his game. “I get pumped up. I’m excited to play for them. It just adds more pressure and fire to it. I think I play better in those situations,” said Fritz after the win. On the back of his win and some neat performances from other Americans like Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe, Team World registered the second-biggest win in the history of the tournament.

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