“It’s great to get it done”, spoke Taylor Fritz after fetching a doubles bronze medal for Team USA at the Paris Olympics. It’s on to the next task. The American talent has reaped the laurels that he brought home from the Olympics. Does he still have a hangover from Paris after participating in all three events at the Games? It is unlikely, or Fritz wouldn’t have commissioned himself with the daunting mission of making back-to-back appearances.

After displaying impressive form in Paris, the ninth seed will lock horns with Mariano Navone in the opening round of the Canadian Open. Though this showdown sounds like a one-sided affair, chances are the Argentine professional presents Fritz with a formidable challenge.

Taylor Fritz vs Mariano Navone: Preview

World No. 13 Fritz will enter the hardcourt event on the back of a singles third-round exit in the Summer Olympics. Despite a valiant effort against Lorenzo Musetti, Fritz succumbed to the Italian in straight sets. However, his triumphs during his previous endeavors speak volumes about his consistency. He hit 1 ace and 1 double fault against the Italian, with 70% of wins on first serve and 58% win on second serve. Fritz converted 1/2 break points while giving away 3/4.

Meanwhile, Navone has enjoyed a decent run this year. He has collected a total of 15 wins from 28 contests. The Argentine also marked his attendance at the Paris Olympics. Despite racking up an impressive campaign, the World No. 36 was shown the door in the event’s second round, also defeated by bronze medalist Lorenzo Musetti. Navone hit 3 aces and 1 double fault in the clash, followed by 63% of points on first serve and 40% of points on second serves. Navone took 2/3 break points and gave away 3/4.

Fritz vs Navone: Head-to-Head

The Canadian Open’s opener will witness the duo’s maiden clash on the ATP Tour. Notably, the two players have never crossed paths with each other on-court, marking this contest as their first encounter. Their head-to-head is locked at 0-0.

Prediction: Fritz to win in three sets

While Fritz will feature in his sixth run at the Canadian Open this year, Navone will be looking to commence his maiden appearance at the ATP 1000 Masters event. Bearing in mind their respective results this season, there is no doubt they are preparing ahead of the US Open. He has been unable to move past the third round in his last five appearances at the event. Nevertheless, he has shown significant resilience this year, garnering striking results on all surfaces. Fritz also secured a quarterfinal berth at both the Australian Open and won the Delray Beach Open.

Fritz is an offensive baseliner, who can easily force his opponents to commit errors. With a blazing fast forehand and a flat and low backhand, Fritz has the ideal style for hard courts. Along with his fantastic groundstrokes, the American can hit serves going up to 149 mph, which will certainly give Navone a big challenge. Accompanied by his ability to hit sharp cross-court shots on both hands, he has the clash in the bag.

However, it would be hasty to say Navone will lose. The Argentine has silenced critics with his impressive counter-punching on-court gameplay. His dominant coverage of the court provides him an edge to muster returns from unwinnable positions. The Argentine has been adamant about finding success on the Tour and will fight a desperate battle against Fritz.

Overall, Fritz doesn’t need to be at his best to demolish the Argentine. His superior on-court expertise will do the talking for him and the former World No. 29 will likely have a hard time absorbing the pace from the American’s racket.